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A SELECTION 

OP 



WITH A 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 

ON 

HUMAN LONGEVITY: 

CONTAINING 

THE MOST SUBLIME,! SINGULAR, AND AUTHENTIC 

EPiTAPHS 

THAT WERE EVER BEFORE COLLECTED. 
TAKEN FROM 

Monuments and Gravestones in the United Kingdoms 

OF 

iSttjjl&tifc, Xreinttir, $c Scotland; 

AND IN THE 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 
BY T.^KINNERSLEY. 



Here, doubtless, many a trifler on the brink 

Of this world's hazardous and headlong shore, 
Forc'd to a pause, will feel it good to think, 

Told that his setting sun may rise no more. 
Ye self-deceived, could I prophetic say, 

Who next is fated, and who next shall fall ? 
The rest might then seem privileged to play : 

But naming none, death's voice here speaks to all. 
Learn then, ye living, by the mou .hs be taught 

Of all these Sepulchral instructions true, 
That soon, or late, death also is your lot, 

And the next op'ning grave may yawn for you. 



NEW-YORK : 

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY T. K1NNERSLEY, 135, CHERRY-STREET. 

1823. 



Ms- 



PREFACE. 

Passing accidentally through a Church -yard, a 
melancholy cloud trepidating my spirits, I was there- 
by tempted to indulge the gloomy disposition by 
a turn or two in the Church, the door of which 
was open. The solemnity reigning in those gloomy 
recesses is apt to crowd an assemblage of serious 
and contemplative ideas in the mind of man ; these, 
suiting my pensive disposition, I indulged in all the 
pomp of heart-felt solitude, feeling 

" My genial spirits droop, 



" My hopes all flat; nature within me seem'd 

" In all her functions weary." Milton. 

And as if dissolution had begun, I fondly wished to 
be with those that rest. The first monument that en- 
gaged my attention was that of a warrior, clad in all 
the ornaments of martial glory, and decorated with 
all the pomp the herald could bestow; yet all those 
glories save not from the grave! Sad, sickening 
thought! and yet deluded man, intent on worldly 
honours, still pursues the glittering bubble, that fan- 
tastic joy. 



IV PREFACE. 

1 was here interrupted in my serious, pensive con- 
templation by the verger, who courteously obtruded 
himself, and his explanation giving me a cursory 
relation of that which I had very small desire to 
be acquainted with: thus leading me from one 
gloomy object to another, whose dumb admonitions 
seemed tacitly to tell me, that I myself must shortly 
be joint-tenant in the grave ! — a thought that should set 
every reasonable faculty in motion while yet it is day. 

In this reverie I found myself at the porch, which 
looked into a burying ground filled with many in- 
contestable proofs of mortality, and thought it would 
be impious any more to form plans of worldly satis- 
factions, but with perfect obedience and resignation 
" wait the great teacher death." My conductor 
then shewed me several tombs, and gravestones, 
the inscriptions on which were not strong enough to 
retain a place where memory resides ; but one, 
gayly decorated, excited my curiosity, which I can- 
not pass over without remarking. My interpreter 
informed me that the stone, to which we were 
going, perpetuated the memory of a wealthy gentle- 
man, and that his son, in dutiful regard, had erected 
it. This raised my hopes with a pleasing expecta- 
tion, thinking, from its gay appearance, to meet an 



PREFACE. V 

agreeable inscription ; but how great was my disap- 
pointment ! It runs thus : 

" Affliction sore long time I bore, 

" Physicians were in vain ; 
M Till God did please to give me ease, 

" And free me from my pain." 

The above was placed on the stone. Miserable cir- 
cumstance ! said I ; can the obligation of a son to a 
father induce him to find no nobler inscription ? He 
who gave life, can he merit from a son nothing more, 
than just to say he lived in sorrow and died in misery ? 
and that expressed in such unmeaning words : — no 
remark of eternity or filial love. 

As inscriptions on monuments are the honour or 
scandal of a nation, transmitting to after ages the sen- 
timents of the present, and, if well executed, is at- 
tended with every thing that can awaken in our 
minds sublime and elevated ideas, and engage our 
attention, giving us a near view of death, and a 
glimpse of eternity ; so they are equally accompanied 
with ill, if not well written, exposing to different 
nations the barbarity of a language, with its un- 
educated inhabitants. In the present selection a reme- 
dy will be found to obviate this evil, and will, doubtless, 



VI PREFACE. 

in after ages, wear a more pleasing aspect to strangers 
who may visit our church -yards, as so great a variety 
will admit of suitable inscriptions being taken to suit 
the feelings of almost every person who may have the 
unpleasant task to set up a monument to record the 
worth of a departed friend 

Were death a rare and uncommon object, — were it 
only once in the course of a man's life that he beheld 
one of his fellow creatures carried to the grave, — a 
solemn awe would fill him ; he would stop short in 
the midst of his pleasures ; he would even be chilled 
with secret horror. Such impressions, however, 
would prove unsuitable to the nature of our present 
state; would render us unfit for the ordinary bu- 
siness of life : but it is better ordered by the wisdom of 
divine providence that they should be weakened by 
the frequency of their recurrence, and so tempered by 
the mixture of other impressions, as to allow us to go 
on freely in acting our parts on earth. Yet, familiar 
as death is, it ought not to be passed over, as one 
of those common incidents which are beheld without 
concern, and awaken no reflection. There are many 
things which the funerals of our fellow creatures are 
calculated to teach ; and it would be happy for the gay 
and dissipated, if they would listen to the instruction 



PREFACE. Vll 

of so awful a monitor. When we observe the funerals 
that pass along the streets, or when we walk among 
the monuments of the dead, the first thing that na- 
turally strikes us, is the undistinguishing blow with 
which the common enemy levels all. We behold 
a promiscuous multitude, all carried to the same 
abode, — all lodged in the same dark and silent man- 
sions ! There persons of every age and character, — 
of every rank and condition in life ; the young and 
the old, the rich and the poor, the gay and the grave, 
the renowned and the ignoble, are mingled ! A short 
time ago, most of those whom we have seen carried 
to the grave, walked about as we do now upon the 
earth, — enjoyed their friends, — beheld the light of the 
sun, — and were forming designs for future days ! Per- 
haps not long since, they were engaged in scenes of 
high festivity! For them, perhaps, the cheerful com- 
pany assembled ; and in the midst of the circle they 
shone with gay and pleasing vivacity ! But now, to 
them, all is finally closed ! To them, no more shall the 
seasons return, or the sun rise ! No more shall they 
hear the voice of mirth, or behold the face of man ! 
They are swept from the earth, as though they had 
never been ! They are carried away with a flood ; 
the wind has passed over them, and they are gone ! 

The tomb is a monument situated on the confines 



via PREFACE. 

of both worlds. It at once presents to us the termi- 
nation of the inquietudes of life, and sets before us the 
image of eternal rest. To use the elegant expressions 
of Job: There the wicked cease from troubling; and 
there the weary be at rest. There the prisoners rest to- 
gether ; they hear not the voice of the oppressor. The 
small and the great are there ; and the servant is free 
^rom his master. 

It is very remarkable that in all languages, and 
among all nations, death has been described in a style 
of this kind ; expressed by figures of speech, which 
convey every where the idea of rest, or sleep, or 
retreat from the evils of life. Such a style perfectly 
agrees with the general belief of the immortality of 
the soul; but conveys no high idea of the boasted 
pleasures of this world. It shews how all mankind 
have felt this life to be a scene of trouble and care ; 
and have agreed in opinion, that perfect rest is to be 
expected only in the grave. 

THE SETTING SUN 

See the bright orb of day in darkness retire . 
While clouds veil its glory, they quench not its fire; 
To far distant regions transported it roves, 
And to climates remote its splendour removes : 
Thus quickly this form shall in darkness be laid, 
And dimly expire in Death's gloomy shade ; 
But the soul unextinguish'd, though parted with pain, 
Shall rise from the dust with new lustre again ; 
Exalted on high its bright essence shall shine, 
An image proclaiming its Maker divine. 



A SKETCH 



ON 



HUMAN LONGEVITY. 



Those Men who have lived to the greatest extent of mortal ex- 
istence, may be considered as a pattern of human nature in its ut- 
most perfection, and as an instance of what is possible to be attain- 
ed under favourable circumstances. Although the human body is 
externally much more delicate than that of any other animal, yet 
it is very nervous, and perhaps stronger, in proportion to its size, 
than that of the strongest animals. The porters at Constantinople 
carry incredible burdens. A thousand wonderful stories are rela-«l 
ted of the Hottentots and other savages, concerning their agility 
in running. Civilized man knows not the full extent of his powers, 
nor how much he loses by that effeminacy and inactivity by which 
they are weakened and destroyed. He is contented even to be ig- 
norant of the strength and vigour which his members are capable 
of acquiring by motion, and by being accustomed to severe exer- 
cises, as is observed in runners, tumblers, and rope-dancers. The 
conclusion is, therefore, founded on the most just and indisputable 
induction and analogy. — The attitude of walking is less fatiguing 
to man than that in which he is placed when he is stopped in run- 
ning. Every time he sets his foot upon the ground, he passes over 
a more considerable space ; the body leans forward, and the arms 
follow the same direction ; the respiration increases, and breathing 
becomes difficult. Leaping begins with great inflexions of the 
members; the body is then much shortened, but immediately 
stretches itself out with a great effort. 

It is observed that a cessation from exercise is not alone suffici- 
ent to restore the powers of the body when they are exhausted by 



2 A SKETCH ON HUMAN LONGEVITY. 

fatigue. The springs, though not in action, are still wound up 
while we are awake, even when every movement is suspended. 

hi sleep nature finds that repose which is suited to her wants, 
and the different organs enjoy a salutary relaxation : This is that 
wonderful state in which man, unconscious of his own existence, 
and sunk in apparent death, repairs the loss which his faculties 
have sustained, and seems to assume a new existence. In this state 
of drowsiness and repose the senses cease to act, the functions of 
the body are suspended, and it seems abandoned to itself. The 
external symptoms of sleep are easily distinguished: at the ap- 
proach of sleep, the eyes begin to wink, the eyelids fall down, the 
head nods and hangs down : its fall astonishes the sleeper; he starts 
up, and makes an effort to drive away sleep, but in vain ; a new 
inclination, stronger than the former, deprives him of the power of 
raising his head ; his chin rests upon his breast; and in this position 
he enjoys a tranquil sleep. 

The age of decline extends from forty or forty-five, to sixty or 
sixty-five years of age. At this time of life, the diminution of the 
fat is the cause of those wrinkles which begin to appear in the face 
and some other parts of the body. The skin not being supported 
by the same quantity of fat, and being incapable, from want of elas- 
ticity, of contracting, sinks down and forms folds. In the decline 
of life, a remarkable change takes place also in vision. In the vi- 
gour of our days, the crystalline lens being thicker and more di- 
aphanous than the humours of the eye, enables us to read letters of 
a very small character, at the distance of eight or ten inches. But, 
when the age of decline comes on, the quantity of humours of the 
eye diminishes, they lose their clearness, and the transparent cor- 
nea becomes less convex. To remedy this inconvenience, we place 
what we wish to read at a greater distance from the eye : but vi- 
sion thereby is very little improved, because the image of the ob- 
ject becomes smaller and more obscure. Another mark of the de- 
cline of life is a weakness of the stomach, and indigestion, in most 
people who do not take sufficient exercise in proportion to the quan- 
tity and the quality of their food. At sixty, sixty-three, or sixty- 



A SKETCH ON HUMAN LONGEVITY. 3 

live, years of age, the signs of decline become more and more vi- 
sible, and indicate old age, This period commonly extends to the 
age of seventy, sometimes to seventy-five, but seldom to eighty. 
The eyes and the stomach then become weaker and weaker ; 
leanness increases the number of the wrinkles ; the beard and the 
hair become white ; the strength and the memory begin to fail. 
After seventy, or at most eighty, ypars of age, the life of man is 
nothing but labour and sorrow : such was the language of David, 
near three thousand years ago. Some men of strong constitutions, 
and in good health, enjoy old age for a long time without decrepi- 
tude ; but such instances are not very common. The moralities 
of decrepitude continually increase, and at length death concludes 
the whole. This fatal term is uncertain. The only conclusions 
which we can form concerning the duration of life, must be derived 
from observations on a great number of men who were born at the 
same time, and who died at different ages. Man, however, has no 
right to complain of the shortness of life. Throughout the whole 
of living beings, there are few who unite in a greater degree all the 
internal causes which tend to prolong its different periods. It does 
not appear that the life of man becomes shorter in proportion to 
the length of time the world has existed. In the days of the Psal- 
mist, its ordinary limits did not exceed seventy or eighty years. 
No king of Judah lived beyond that period. When the Romans, 
however, were ni inhered by Vespasian, there were found in the em- 
pire, in that age of effeminacy, ten men aged one hundred and twen- 
ty and upwards. The latter ages have produced many instances of 
longevity, perhaps equal to former periods. Thomas Cockrum, 
aged 103 years, died at Lowestoff, in Suffolk, in the year 1755. 
William Lecomte, a shepherd, died in 1776, in the county of 
Caux, in Normandy, aged 110. Cramers, physician to the empe- 
ror, saw at Temeswar two brothers, the one aged 1 10, and the other 
112, both of whom were fathers at that age. The Sieur Iswan- 
.Horwarths, knight of the order of St. Louis, died at Sar-Albe in 
Lorrain, in 1775, aged 111 years ; he was a great hunter ; he un- 
dertook a long journey a short time before his death, and perform- 
ed it on horseback. Mark Jones, died in the year 1775, at Villejac, 
in Hungary, aged 119. John Niethen, of Bakler, in Zealand, lived 



4 A SKETCH ON HUMAN LONGEVITY. 

to the age of 120. Eleonora Spicer, died in 1773, at Accomack, in 
Virginia, aged 121. John Argus, was born in the village of Lastua, 
in Turkey, and died the 6th of March, 1799, at the age of 123 ; his 
lather died at the age of 120. In December 1777, there lived in 
Devonshire, England, a farmer, named John Brookey, who was 
134 years of age, and had been fifteen times married. The phi- 
losophical transactions mention an Englishman, of the name of 
Eccleston, who lived to the age of 143. Another Englishman, of 
the name of Effingham, died in 1757, at the age of 144. Niels Ju- 
kins, of Hammerset, in Denmark, died in 1764, aged 146. The 
same year died George Kirton, of Oxnop-hall, near Reath, York- 
shire, in his 1 25th year. Christian Jacob Drakemberg, died in 
1770, at Archusen, in the 146th year of his age ; this old man of 
the north was born at Stavangar, in Norway, 1624, and at the age 
of 130 married a widow of 60. In Norway, some men have lived 
to the age-of 150. John Rovin, who was bom at Szatlova-Carantz- 
Betcher, in the bannat of Temeswar, lived to the age of 172, and 
his wife to that of 164, having been married to him during the space 
of 147 years ; when Rovin died, their youngest son was 99 years 
of age. Peter Zoten, a peasant, and a countryman of John Rovin, 
died in 1724, at the age of 185; his youngest son was then 97 years 
of age. The history and whole-length pictures of John Rovin, 
Henry Jenkins, and Peter Zoten, are to be seen in the library of 
S.A. R. Prince Charles, at Brussels. Thomas Parr, of Shropshire, 
England, died November 16, 1635, aged 152. Henry Jenkins, of 
Yorkshire, England, died December 8th, 1 670, aged 169 years. 
Robert Montgomery, of Yorkshire, died in 1670, aged 126 years. 
John Sands, of Horborn, near Walsal, Staffordshire, died in 1625, 
aged 140; his wife lived to be 120. The Countess of Desmond, 
of Ireland, aged 140. Simon Sack, of Triona, died May 30, 1764, 
aged 141. Col. Thomas Winslow, of Ireland, died August 26th, 
3 766, aged 146. Francis Consist, of Yorkshire, England, died in 
January 1768, aged 150. Margaret Foster, of Cumberland, Eng- 
land, aged 136, and her daughter, aged 104. James Bowles, of 
Killingworth, aged 152. John Tice, of Worcestershire, died in 
March 1774, aged 125. John Mount, of Scotland, died Feb. 27, 
1766, aged 1 36. Mary Yates, of Shropshire. England, died in 1776, 



A SKETCH ON HUMAN LONGEVITY. 5 

aged 128. John Bales, of Northampton, England, died April 5, 
1766, aged 126. William Ellis, of Liverpool, died August 16th, 

1780, aged 130. Margaret Patten, of Lockneugh, near Paisley, 
aged 138. James Hayley, of Middle wich,Cheshire, died March 17, 

1781, aged 112. Richard Lloyd, of Montgomery, in Wales, aged 
133. Rohert Blackney, Esq. of Armagh, Ireland, aged 114 years. 
Margaret Scott, of Dalkeith, Scotland, aged 125. William Wake- 
ly, of Shropshire, England, aged 124, was buried at Abbaston, in 
1714. In 1796, died in Berkeley county, Virginia, Charles Ro- 
berts, gent, aged 116. John Jacobs, of Mount Jura, in France, in 
1789, at the age of 120, quitted his native hills, and from the sum- 
mit of Mount Jura undertook a journey to Versailles, to behold and 
return thanks to the National Assembly for the vote which had freed 
him and his poor countrymen from the feudal yoke, and died the 
year after. In 1800, died at Perth, in Scotland, Elspet Watson, 
aged 115 ; she was a dwarf, being not more than two feet nine 
inches high. On the 13th of October,18l8, died at Handsworth, in 
Staffordshire, Ann Smallwood, widow, inthell6th year of her 
age. She was born in 1702, the year Queen Anne came to the 
throne. She was the mother of 15 children, the eldest of whom, 
then living, was 83 years old. 

Before we proceed to assign the common causes of longevity, it 
is proper to inquire into the manner of life and situation of those by 
whom it has been enjoyed. We find, then, that those who have 
lived to the greatest age, have been such as did not attain their full 
growth till a very advanced period of life, and who have kept their 
appetites and passions under the most complete subjection. In a 
word, those who have exceeded 100 years, have, in general, been 
laborious, sober, and careful to observe the strictest regimen. En- 
joying a good constitution from nature, they have seldom, or never 
been subject to disease. They have enjoyed the greatest health 
and vigour to the last moment of their lives. 

Among those who have led a life of contemplation and study, 
many have reached a very advanced age. Longevity is frequent 
among the different orders of the religious, who by their statutes are 



6 A SKETCH ON HUMAN LONGEVITY. 

s 
confined to a moderate diet, and obliged to abstain from wine and 
the use of meat. Some celebrated Anchorets have lived to a great 
age, while they fed upon nothing but wild roots and fruits which 
they found in the desert whither they had retired. The philoso- 
pher Xenophilus, who lived to a very great age, was of the Pytha- 
gorean sect. It is well known, that those philosophers who held 
the transmigration of souls, denied themselves the use of meat, be- 
cause they imagined that killing an animal would be to assassinate 
another self. 

A country life has produced many sound and vigorous old men. 
It is supposed that a happy old age is attained with greater diffi- 
culty in towns than in the country. Sir Hans Sloane, Duverney, 
Fonteneile, however, are instances of men whose lives have been 
spent in cities, and yet extended to a very great length. It has 
been observed, that men deprived of reason live very long ; which 
is to be imputed to their being exempt from those inquietudes which 
are the most deadly poison. Persons possessing a sufficiently good 
understanding, but destitute of ambition, have been found to enjoy 
very long life. Men who are devoid of pretensions, who are free 
from those cares which a desire of shining by a display of talents, 
or of acquiring dignity and power necessarily brings in its train, 
who feel no regret for the past, nor anxiety about the future, are 
strangers to those torments of the mind which waste and consume 
the body. To this tranquillity of soul, which is so excellent a pre- 
rogative of infancy, they add that of being long young by physi- 
cal constitution, on which the moral has a striking and powerful 
influence. 

From the preceding observations, Dr. Haller has attempted to 
deduce the causes why a few men are longer exempted than others 
from the common fate. The circumstances which oppose their 
influence are independent of our will ; such as the ravages of epi- 
demic diseases in the body, or the torments of ambition. It is ne- 
cessary to live in a salubrious climate, to be descended from heal- 
thy parents, to avoid drinking wine in youth, to drink water, and 
to eat little meat and a great deal of vegetables. It is necessary 



A SKETCH ON HUMAN LONGEVITY. 7 

itlso to be temperate at meals ; moderate in pleasures, study, and 
exercise ; to be naturally inclined to cheerfulness, and to allot a 
due time to sleep and repose. Long life is certainly very rare ; 
but, as has been already observed, we must distinguish between 
what is natural to the constitution of man, and that which is the 
consequence of his condition. By the former he is made to be 
long-lived ; but nature is arrested in her course by local and acci- 
dental causes, which is not always in our power to avoid ; and, 

when it is, we too commonly neglect it. 

i 

For since the celestial powers of the planets and constellations, 
as they rise upon, or descend below, the horizon, visibly influence 
the atmosphere with their qualities, and modulate and vary climates 
and seasons ; so climates and seasons act upon the human tempe- 
rature, and affect those parts the most sensibly which the influence 
of the constellations have upon man's body, as expressed in most 
almanacs, and which are the seats or sources of every primary dis- 
ease. Hence every climate, partaking more or less of the same vi- 
vifying rays of the sun, and being surrounded with the same atmos- 
phere, admits the propagation and support of human life, wherever 
the transition is not too violent, and the extremes of heat and cold 
not incompatible with animal life. And here it may be proper to 
mention what are the most prevalent diseases which prove fatal 
to the duration of human life. In northern climates, scurvy, the 
cholic of the Laplanders, and diseases of the lungs, most frequently 
occasion death. 

In temperate climates, dropsy carries off a great many at the be- 
ginning of old age,which is the boundary of life in the greatest part 
of both sexes, when they have escaped the acute diseases, such as 
the small-pox, putrid fevers, &c. &c. Acute diseases are most com- 
mon in warm countries. In some places the rays of the sun kill 
in a few hours those who are exposed to its burning heat. The 
air of Egypt and of Asia Minor engenders the plague, by which 
one-half of the inhabitants are carried off. Between the tropics, 
men are subject to dysenteries and violent fevers. The cold of the 
night, in warm climates, occasions sometimes violent diseases. 



fc A SKETCH ON HUMAN LONGEVITY. 

Damp and marshy places give rise to fevers which are also danger- 
ous. How many professions prove fatal to the health, and in most 
men hasten that period which nature would have brought on by 
slow degrees ! What has been said is sufficient to shew, that it is 
the dangers with which we are surrounded that shorten the period 
of human existence. 

Tn the state of death the body dies by little and little ; its motion 
gradually diminishes ; life is extinguished by successive gradations, 
and death is only the last term in the succession. 

When the motion of the heart, which continues longest, ceases, 
man has then breathed his last ; he has passed from the state of 
life to the state of death : and, as at his birth a breath opened to 
him the career of life, so with a breath he finishes his course. 



What is life, but a comfortless way, 

By reluctant mortality trod ? 
What is death, but the dawning of day, 

A nearer approach to our God ? 
Yet our frailty still fastens us here, 

And we whine for these dungeons of woe ; 
With an eye never free from a tear, 

We love the vain prospect below. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

£S THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH IN THE CITY OF CHICHESTER, ENGLAND, 

THERE IS A BEAUTIFUL MONUMENT OF WHITE MARBLE, 

ERECTED TO THE MEMORY OF 

smiiuim Counts, 

THE CELEBRATED POET. 
HIS EPITAPH WAS WRITTEN BY MR. WILLIAM HAYLEY. 

jl E who the merits of the dead revere, 
Who hold misfortune's sacred genius dear, 
Regard this tomb, where Collins' hapless name 
Solicits kindness with a double claim. 
Tho' nature gave him, and tho' science taught, 
The fire of fancy and the reach of thought ; 
Severely doom'd to penury's extreme, 
He pass'd in mad'ning pains life's feverish dream ; 
While rays of genius only serv'd to shew 
The thick'ning horror, and exalt his woe. 
Ye walls, that echo'd to his frantic moan, 
Guard the due record of this grateful stone ! 
Strangers to him, enamour'd of his lays, 
This fond memorial to his talents raise. 
For this the ashes of a bard require, 
Who touch'd the tenderest notes of pity's lyre ; 
Who join'd pure faith in strong poetic powers, 
Who, in reviving reason's lucid hours, 
Sought on one book his troubled mind to rest, 
And rightly deem'd the Book of God the best. 

Mr. William Collins died June 13, 1759, in the 39th year of his age. The Poet is finely 
represented as just recovered from a wild fit of pbrenzy, of which he was unhappily subject; 
and in a calm and reclining posture, seeking refuge from his misfortunes in the divine con- 
solation of the Gospel; while his lyre, and one of his first poems, (his Ode on the Passions,) 
lie neglected on the ground. Above are two beautiful figures of Love and Pity, entwined in 
each other's arms, 

B 



10 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In the Cathedral Church in the City of Latchjield, Eng- 
land, there is a Monumental Stone, 

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF 

JOHN SEVILLE, 

Who was 48 years Vicar-Choral of this Cathedral. 

DEPARTED THIS LTFE, AUG. 2, 1803. 

Aged 67 years. 

Once in the heart, cold in yon narrow cell, 

Did each mild grace, each ardent virtue dwell ; 

Kind aid, kind tears, for others' want and woe, 

For others' joy, the gratulatiog glow: 

And skill to mark, and eloquence to claim 

For genius in each art, the palm of fame. 

Ye choral walls, ye lost the matchless song 

When the last silence stiff'ned on that tongue ! 

Ah ! who may now your pealing anthems raise 

In soul-pour'd tones, of fervent prayer and praise ? 

Saville, thy lips, twice on thy final day, 

Here breath'd in health, and ope'd the sacred lay : 

Short pangs ere night their fatal signal gave, 

Quench'd the bright sun for thee, and ope'd the grave. 

Now from that graceful form and beaming face 

Insatiate worms the ling'ring likeness chase. 

But thy pure spirit's fled, from pains and fears, 

To sinless, changeless, everlasting spneres. 

Sleep then, pale mortal frame, in yon low shrine, 

Till Angels wake thee with such notes as thine. 



K. B. It is said the above verses were composed by hia wi 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 11 



In Chiswick Church-yard, Middlesex, near London, is th% 
following Epitaph, to the Memory of 

HOGARTH, 

THE CELEBRATED PAINTER. 

Farewell, great painter of mankind ! 

Who reach'd the noblest point of art ; 
Whose pictur'd morals charm the mind, 

And through the eye, correct the heart. 
If genius fire thee reader, stay, 

If nature move thee, drop a tear ; 
If neither touch thee, turn away, 

For Hogarth's honour'd dust lies here. 



Ellerton-upon-Swale, Yorkshire, England. 
HENRY JENKINS, aged 169 years. 

He remembered the battle of Plowden Field, which was 
fought Sept. 9, 1513. When he was about twelve years old, 
he was then sent to Northallerton with a cart load of arrows, 
but an older boy was sent to the army with them, bows and 
arrows being then in use. At this time, king Henry VIII. was 
at Tournay, in France. At Ellerton there were also living, at 
the same time, five old men, reputed to be one hundred years 
each, and they observed that Jenkins was an elderly man 
when they first knew him, that he was born in another parish, 
and before church registers were in use. 

Jenkins was once butler to Lord Conyers ; he perfectly well 
remembered the Abbot of Fountain's Abbey before the dissolu- 
tion of the monasteries ; and was the oldest man born upon the 
ruins of the postdiluvian world. In the last century of his 
life he was a fisherman, and often swam in the rivers after he 



12 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

■ , -a- 

had attained the age of one hundred years. His diet was 
coarse and sour. In the King's Remembrancer Office, in the 
Exchequer, there is a record of a deposition in a cause by 
English Bill, between Anthony Clark and Smirkson, taken, 
April 1665, at Kettering, Yorkshire, where Henry Jenkins, of 
Ellerton-upon-Swale, labourer, aged one hundred and fifty- 
seven years, was produced, and deposed as a witness. He was 
buried at Belton, Yorkshire, in December, 1670, aged 169 
years. His monument was set up in the year 1743, by 
subscription, and a suitable Epitaph, composed by Dr. Chap- 
man, Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge: 

BLUSH NOT MARBLE, 

TO RESCUE FROM OBLIVION 

THE MEMORY OF 

HENRY JENKINS! 

A'PEBSON OBSCURE IN BIRTH, 

BUT OF A LIFE TRULY MEMORABLE I 

FOR 

HE WAS ENRICHED WITH THE GOODS OF NATURE, 

IF NOT OF FORTUNE; 

AND HAPPY IN THE DURATION, 

IF NOT IN VARIETY, 

OF HIS ENJOYMENTS. 

AND, 

THOUGH THE PARTIAL WORLD 

DESPISED AND DISREGARDED 

HIS LOW BIRTH AND HUMBLE STATE, 

THE EQUAL EYE OF PROVIDENCE 

BEHELD AND BLESSED IT 

WITH A PATRIARCH'S HEALTH AND LENGTH OF DATS, 

TO TEACH MISTAKEN MAN 

THESE BLESSINGS ARE ENTAILED ON TEMPERANCE, 

A LIFE OF LABOUR, AND A MIND OF EASE. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 



In Anwell Church-yard, Hertfordshire, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OP 

THOMAS MANGER. 

That which a being was, what is it, shew ? 
That being which was, what is it now ? 
To be what 'tis, is not to be, you see; 
That which now is not, shall a being be. 



In the Church-yard, in Bolton, Lancashire, there is a most 
singular and ancient inscription on aflat stone which covers 
the body. 

TO THE MEMORY OP 

JOHN OAKLY, 

THE SERVANT OF GOD. 

Was born in London, 1608; came into this town, 1629; 
married Mary the daughter of James Crompton, of Breight- 
met, 1635, with whom he lived comfortably 20 years, and 
begat four sons and six daughters ; since then he lived solely 
till the day of his death. In his time were many great changes 
and terrible alterations : eighteen years civil wars in England ; 
besides many dreadful sea fights ; the crown or command of 
England changed eight times ; Episcopacy laid aside fourteen 
years ; London burnt by the Papists, and more stately built 
again ; Germany wasted 300 miles ; 200,000 Protestants mur- 
dered ; this town thrice stormed, and once taken and plun- 
dered. He went through many troubles and divers conditions ; 
found rest, joy, and happiness, only in holiness, the faith, fear, 
and love of God in Jesus Christ. 

He died the 29th of April, 1684. 

Come, Lord ! Jesus, come quickly! 



14 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Kingston Church-yard, Hampshire, England, 

TO THE 

MEMORY OF A SAILOR. 

Cease, Neptune, weep not for the brave ! 

Alas ! he is no more ; 
He's anchor'd in the silent grave, 

Upon his native shore. 



In the Cathedral Church-yard, Ely, England. 

Man's life's a snare, a labyrinth of woe, 
Which mortal man is doom'd to struggle through ; 
To-day he's great, to-morrow he's undone, 
And thus with hopes and fears he travels on ; 
Till some disease, or else, perhaps, old age, 
Call us, poor mortals, trembling off the stage. 



In Enshan Church-yard, Oxfordshire, England, 

Why do those useless tears o'erflow, 

Those sighs, dear friends, forbear ; 
Why should you envy me to go 

Where saints and angels are ? 
There are no sighs, no tears, nor want, 

But joys forever new ; 
May heaven but one thing further grant,— 

The company of you. 



On tombs, encomiums are but vainly spent, 
A virtuous life's a lasting monument, 
Which will, frail mortal, guide thee in thy way 
To the bright regions of eternal day. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 15 

In Lympton Church-yard, Devonshire, England, 

TO THE MEMORY OP 

ROBIJY OAKES, 

A BLACKSMITH, 

Who died at the advanced age of One Hundred and One. 

Stop one moment, my friends, why so fast to your labour? 
You'll not think it lost time to remember a neighbour j 
I was once Robin Oakes, call'd by some Blacksmith Bob, 
Till death took me in hand for a very tough job ; 
However he finish'd the work he begun, 
And he shut up my shop, at one hundred and one. 
No more shall the chime from my anvil at morn, 
Call up the bold hunters to follow the horn ; 
For my bellows, alas! are now rob'd of the wind, 
My files gone to rust, and my hammers declin'd ; 
Quite low in the dust all my vices are laid, 
My fire is burnt out, and my forge is decay'd ; 
My coals are all spent, and my iron is gone, 
Iv'e made my last nail, thus my labours are done : 
Go forward, my friends, and your business pursue, 
In a very short time it will be so with you. 



In the Church-yard of Chard, Somersetshire, England. 

Beneath the verdure of this earthen chest 
Are laid the garments of a soul undrest ; 
Here 'tis decreed that they awhile must lie 
Till time shall end, and Death itself shall die. 
Then will the Saviour model them afresh, 
And change this tatter'd raiment of the flesh 
Like to his own ; — for that's a heavenly mode. 
Fit to enrobe a favourite child of God. 



16 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

< ■ ■ 

In Hey don church-yard, Yorkshire, England, is the following re- 
markable inscription : 

HERE LIETH THE BODY OF 

WILLIAM SHULTON, 

Of this parish, who died May 10, 1734, aged 97 years* 

By his first wife he had children .... 28 

By his second wife 17 

Was own father to 45 

Grandfather to 86 

Great grandfather to . 97 

Great great grandfather to ... . . 23 

Lived to see descend from his own body . 251 



In the Church-yard, NeivqrJc-upon-Trenty Nottinghamshire, 
England. 

Our life's a journey in a winter's day, 
Some only break their fast, and so away ; 
Others stay dinner, and depart full fed, 
The deepest age but sup and go to bed ; 
He's most in debt that lingers out the day, 
Who dies betimes has less, and less to pay. 



In the Cathedral Church-yard, Chichester, England. 

To the Memory of HENRY CASE, a Marine, who served 
on the glorious 1st of June, 1794, aged 28 yearg. 

Here lies a true soldier, whom all must applaud, 
Much hardships he suffered at home and abroad; 
But the hardest engagement he ever was in, 
Was the battle of Self, in the conquest of Sin. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 1? 

i 

, , i .: 

In the New Church-yard, Wakefield, Yorkshire, England. 
To the Memory of THOMAS LINDEN, Freemason, 

Aged 30 years. 

Stop, gentle friend, and view this sacred spot! 

Consider well, his fate will be thy lot ; 

Cut off in manhood's prime, a stranger here, 

O drop the tribute of a Brother's tear ! 

Be this our prayer, a mark of Mason's love, 

" Jesus admit him to thy Lodge above." 



In Totness Church-yard, Devonshire, EngLan i 
To the Memory of EDWARD LUKE, a shoemaker. 

Here Edward Luke, full six feet deep in earth, 
Lies stretch'd at length, who almost from his birth 
Was mending soles ; though having strength of breath 
Was ever at his end, yet fear'd not death. 
Among his friends so joyous and so gay, 
No boundless passions him did lead astray j 
Mirth call'd him brother, and he did fulfil 
The laws laid down by Mirth's own merry will. 
Young Luke some call'd him ; Ah, how alter'd now ! 
For underneath he lies, with wrinkled brow. 
Reader, beware ! for at one single call 
We go from hence : for God is all in all. 



In the Church-yard of Haunts, Northamptonshire, England. 

Reader, I've left a world to you, 
In which I had a worlcl to do ; 
Freting and sweating to get rich, 
Just such another fool as you. 
C 



18 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Bunney Park Church, County of Nottingham, England, 

There is a most curious and singular Monument to the me- 
mory of Sir THOMAS PARKYNS, Bart, who was a great 
wrestler, and who took a pleasure in shewing the art to 
others; he also published a book of Instructions on the Art, one 
of which he presented to his Majesty George I. with a manu- 
script dedication. 

Many years previous to his death, he gave directions for his 
monument to be made, and applied to several for a Latin mo- 
numental inscription, alluding to his being a great wrestler. 

He is finely represented as standing in a wrestling posture 
to encounter Death. 

The following Epitaph, from Latin, is thus translated : 

Into this grave did a wrestler fling 

The matchless champion of the British ring *, 

But he shall rise when Death's subdu'd and hurl'd, 

Shall mix his ashes with the burning world. 

At length he falls ; — the strong contest is o'er, 

And Death has thrown, whom none e'er threw before. 

Yet boast not, Death, thy victory, for he 

At last shall rise again, and conquer thee. 



In St. Maryh Church-yard, Whittlesea, in the Isle of Ely, 
England, is the following strange and ridiculous inscrip- 
tion: 

Here lie the bodies of 

ELIZABETH ADDISON, 
her SON, 

And old Roger to come. 

N. B. I visited Whittlesea nearly twenty years after the stone was set up, and old Roger 
was still living. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 19 

On the 29th day of August, 1782, his Majesty's Ship the 
Royal George, being then on the keel at Spithead, capsized, 
and sunk, by which fatal accident about 900 persons were 
instantly launched into eternity; among whom was that brave 
and experienced officer, Rere Admiral KEMPENFELT, 
to whom this Monument was erected, as a grateful tribute to 
the Memory of that great Commander. 

READER, 

WITH SOLEMN THOUGHT SURVEY THIS GRAVE. 1 

AND 

REFLECT ON THE UNTIMELY DEATH OF THY FELLOW MORTALS ! 

AND WHILE AS A MAN, 

AND AS A BRITAIN, AND AS A PATRIOT, 

THOU READEST THE MELANCHOLY NARRATIVE, 

DROP A TEAR 

FOR THY COUNTRY'S LOSS ! 

A Monument is erected to his memory at Kingston, near Portsmouth, England. 



In the Cathedral Church in Winchester, England, is the fol- 
lowing singular inscription, of the union of two brothers, 
from Avington. 

The CLARK'S family, grandfather, father, and son, were 
successively Clerks of the Privy Seal ; William, the grand- 
father, had but two sons, both Thomas's ; their wives both 
Amys ; their heirs both Henrys ; and the heirs of the Henrys 
were both Thomas's ; and both their wives were inheritrix's ; 
and both had two sons and one daughter ; and both their 
daughters were issueless ; both their sons were of the Temple, 
and both of Oxford, and both officers to Queen Elizabeth, 
and to our noble King James : both Justices of the Peace 
together; both agree in Armies; the one a Knight, the other 
a Captain, 1622. 



20 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Whittlesea Church-yard, Isle of Ely, England. 

Here lieth the body of RICHARD NOBLE, 

Free from pain, 

Who carried the Halberd in seven Reigns ; 

He has now laid down 

His honours gained before, 

And what he got he gave it to the poor, 

In hopes of a joyful resurrection. 

He departed this life, April 1st, 1728, 

Aged 86 years. 



In Sydenham, Kent, England 

JOHN HUSSEY, 

Farmer at Crawford, died in the year 1748, 

Aged 116 years. 

His breakfast was balm-tea, sweetened with honey, and 

pudding for dinner, was his regular diet for above fifty years; 

by which he acquired long and regular health. 



On a stone against the wall of the Chapel, in Kingsland, near 
London. 

To tell thee of the evil that dwelt in me 

Would not profit thee ; 

To speak of my better disposition 

Would not become me : 

But this great lesson let my tomb teach : 

Draw near unto God, and he will draw near unto thee. 

In his favour there is life. 

Well founded hope in Him upon earth 

Is heaven begun. 

They only are miserable who forsake God! 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 2l 

WRITTEN IN WESTMINSTER ABBEY, 

After the Funeral of the 

ON FRIDAY, OCT. 10, 1806. 

Whoe'er thou art, approach, and, with a sigh, 

Mark where the small remains of greatness he. 

There sleeps the dust of him forever gone ; 

How near the scene where late his glory shone ! 

And, though no more ascends the voice of prayer, 

Tho' the last footsteps cease to linger there, 

Still, like an awful dream that comes again, 

Alas, at best, as transient and as vain, 

Still do I see (while through the vaults of night 

The funeral-song once more proclaims the rite) 

The moving pomp along the shadowy aisle, 

That, like a darkness, fill'd the solemn pile ; 

The illustrious line, that in long order led, 

Of those, that lov'd him living — mourn'd him dead ; 

Of those the few, that for their country stood 

Round him who dared be singularly good ; 

All, of all ranks, that claimed him for their own ; 

And nothing wanting — but himself alone ? 

Oh say, of him now rests there but a name ; 
Wont, as he was, to breathe ethereal flame ? 
Friend of the absent, guardian of the dead ! 
Who but would here their sacred sorrows shed? 
(Such as he shed on Nelson's closing grave, 
How soon to claim the sympathy he gave !) 
In him, resentful of another's wrong, 
The dumb were eloquent, the feeble strong. 
Truth from his lips a charm celestial drew, 
Ah! who so mighty, and so gentle too?* 

* See the admirable delineation of his character by Sir James Mackintosh, which fiDlt 
appeared in the Bombay Courier, Jan. 17, 1807. 



22 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

What tho' with war the mad'ning nations rung, 
Peace, when he spoke, was ever on his tongue I 
Amidst the frowns of power, the tricks of state, 
Fearless, resolved, and negligently great! 
In vain malignant vapours gathered round ; 
He walked, erect, on consecrated ground. 
The clouds, that rise to quench the orb of day, 
Reflect its splendor, aud dissolve away ! 

When in retreat he laid his thunder by 
For lettered ease and calm philosophy, 
Blest were his hours within the silent grove. 
Where still his god-like spirit deigns to rove ; 
Blest by the orphan's smile, the widow's prayer, 
For many a deed, long done in secret there. 
There shone his lamp on Homer's hallow'd page, 
There, listening, sate the hero and the sage ; 
And they, by virtue and by blood allied, 
Whom most he loved, and in whose arms he died. 

Friend of all human kind ! not here alone 
(The voice, that speaks, was not to thee unknown) 
Wilt thou be missed — o'er every land and sea 
Long, long shall England be revered in thee ! 
And, when the storm is hush'd — in distant years — 
Foes on thy grave shall meet, and mingle tears ! 

i 

MARY HOW, 

Widow, aged 112, died at Mapleton, Derbyshire, England* 
in the year 1751. 

Her death was occasioned by pulling apples from a tree, 
a limb of which breaking, fell on her arm, and broke it. 
About two years before, she cut several new teeth, and her 
hair changed its colour. 



• - SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 23 

THE FOLLOWING INSCRIPTION IS TO THE MEMORY OF 

Miss ELIZABETH LILLY, 
A most extraordinary pious young Lady, 
Born at St. Osyth, near Colchester, Essex, England, on 
Nov. 6, 1807. 
Died Jan. 11, 1822, aged 14 years. 
Adieu, dear Saint, from all who lov'd thee best ! 
Ah ! gone too soon ; but not too early blest ! 
Tho' lost our bliss, in unavailing pain, 
That loss to thee is everlasting gain. 
Reader, if loving, and belov'd as she, 
Admir'd as much, from vanity as free, 
Go, sister spirit, tread the paths she trod, 
With Lilly stand before the throne of God. 



In Fereham Church-yard, Hampshire, England. 
With pain and toil I long did till the ground, 
But in it now a resting-place hath found; 
Through my Redeemer, Jesus Christ, I trust 
That I, like purest wheat, shall spring from dust. 
And share the joyful harvest of the Just. 



In Scarborough Church-yard, Yorkshire, England. 

To the Memory of WILLIAM BEAN, Gardener. 
When Britain's Flora first to him was shewn, 
He sought the woods and fields for plants unknown ; 
From this vast store he did select with care 
The best of fruits and flowers to please the Fair ; 
Great Nature's laws were rang'd within his view„ 
To God and Justice he was strictly true ; 
Mechanic arts employ'd his leisure hours, 
And Friendship warm'd him with her social powers. 



24 Sepulchral curiosities. 

At the village of Gawsworth, near Macclesfield, Cheshire, 
England, there is a vault and tomb, which contain the remains 
of a most eccentric character, who requested, in his will, that 
his body should be entombed under a plantation of trees, about a 
quarter of a mile from the Church-yard, for such reason as the 
Epitaph relates. 

UNDER THIS STONE RESTS THE REMAINS OF 

Mr. SAMUEL JOHNSON, 

Who was ennobled with the title of Lord Flame,and who being 
in his life time distinct from other men by the eccentricities 
of his genius, wished to retain the same character at his 
death; and was, by his own desire, buried here, May 5th, 
A.D. 1773, aged 82 years. 

Stay thou, whom chance directs, or ease persuades, 

To seek the quiet of these Sylvian shades ; 

Here undisturb'd, and hid from vulgar eyes, 

A Wit, Musician, Poet, Player, lies : 

A Dancing-master too, in grace he shone, 

And all the arts of Op'ra were his own : 

In Comedy well skill'd he drew Lord Flame, 

Acted the part, and gain'd himself the name. 

Adverse to strife, how oft he'd gravely say, 

" These peaceful groves shall shade my breathless clay ! 

" That when he rose again, laid here alone, 

" No friend and he should quarrel for a bone ; 

" Thinking that were some old gossip nigh, 

" She possibly might take his leg or thigh." 



In the year 1743, died AGNES MILBORNE, of St. Luke's 
Hospital, London, aged 106. 
She had twenty-nine sons and one daughter by one husband, 
twenty of whom frequently followed her to church ; but sur- 
vived all her children and grandchildren, except one grandson. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 25 



In the Cathedral Church, Litchfield, Staffordshire, England, there 
is a Monument, on which is inscribed these beautiful lines : 

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF 

JANE, 

THE DAUGHTER OF SIR THOMAS ASTON, BART. 

Who departed this life Oct. 30, 1791, aged 81 years. 
Let not thine alms, the Holy Jesus cried, 
Be seen of men, or dealt with conscious pride ; 
So shall the Lord, whose eye pervades the breast, 
For thee unfold the mansions of the blest; 
O'er her, whose life the precept held in view, 
A friend to want when each false friend withdrew. 
May these chaste lines, to genuine worth assign'd, 
Pour the full tribute of a grateful mind; 
Sweet as at noontide's sultry beam, the showers 
That steal refreshing o'er the withered flowers, 
Her silent aid, by soothing pity given, 
Sank through the heart, the dew of gracious heaven. 
Deeds such as thine, pure shade, shall ever bloom, 
Shall live through time, and glow beyond the tomb ; 
Through thee, the orphan owns parental care, 
Bends the glad knee, and breathes the frequent prayer; 
Through thee, the debtor, from despondence fled, 
Clasps his fond babes, and hails his native shed ; 
Through thee, the slave unbound his massive chains, 
Shouts with new joy, and lives a man again ; 
Through thee, the savage on a distant shore 
His Saviour hears, and droops with doubt no more ; 
Oh ! those, who ling'ring here shall heave a sigh, 
The warm tear trembling on thy pensive eye; 
Go — and the couch of hopeless sorrow 'tend, 
The poor man's guardian, and the widow's friend : 
Go — and the path which Aston lately trod 
Shall guide thy footsteps to the Throne of God. 
No. 2. D 



26 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Drigg, Cumberland, England. 

DIED IN THE YEAR 1747, AGED 104 YEARS, 

JOHN CUPPAGE, 

Formerly Steward to Sir W. Pennington, Bart. 

OF MANCHESTER-HALL. 

He had four wives, and only four daughters, each of which 
had fourteen children ; so that at his death he was grandfather 
to fifty-six, great grandfather to nineteen, great great grand- 
father to eleven, and great great great grandfather to four. 

He retained his faculties in a remarkable degree, and expres- 
sed a wish to see an end to the rebellion, having been very ac- 
tive against the rebels in 1715. 



In Drypool Church-yard, Hull, Yorkshire, England. 
ON A SAILOR. 
Come sinners, look here and be wise, 

I've parted from anchor below ; 
I've anchorage found in the skies, 

And joined the angelic crew ; 
When all the ship's company meet, 

What a joy everlasting to be! 
Do you ask, who's the chief of the fleet? 

Its the Saviour that died for me. 



In Bideford Church-yard, Devonshire, England. 
The righteous crown'd with silver'd age 
Is glorious, said the wisest sage. 
This truth she prov'd, who rests beneath ; 
Her course was pious, calm her death ; 
True glory this, what can destroy ? 
She wears it in the seats of joy. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 27 



In Boston Church-yard, Lincolnshire, England. 

Mr. JOHN ASPLAND, 

Died Oct. 26, 1778, aged 86 years. 

ALSO, 

JANE, his wife, 

Died Oct. 20, 1779, aged 83 years. 

Stop, traveller, see who lieth here interr'd! 

An aged pair for honesty rever'd ; 

He died in 78, they met in 10, 

Subtract see 68, and wonder when 

You see the knot of love so firmly tied, 

That death, nor e'en the grave, could not divide. 



In St Mary's Church-yard, Southampton, England. 
Old age, and wearied toil without repose, 
And fourscore years but multiply our woes : 
This world's a gaol, and death the welcome key 
That from all sorrows sets the prisoner free ; 
Death wafts us safe to that Elysian shore, 
Where sin brew'd tempests ne'er disturb us more. 



In St. Giles's Church-yard, Reading, England. 
By one great transgression of Adam the first, 
We all were made mortal, and sentenc'd to dust ; 
But Adam the second, the chief of our race, 
From death will recall us by infinite grace ; 
By his perfect obedience, as head of us all, 
Made us righteous and holy, and freed from the fall. 
So wide as death triumphs in Adam the first, 
So life shall retriumph in Jesus the Christ. 



28 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Maidstone Church-yard, Kent, England. 

ON 

WILLIAM MORE 

AND 

ELIZABETH, his wife, 

Who died soon after each other, and were both interred in one 

grave. 

In this cold bed here consummated are 

The second nuptials of a happy pair ; 

Whom envious Death once parted, but in vain, 

For now himself hath made them one again ; 

Here wedded in the grave, and 'tis but just 

That they that were one flesh, should be one dust. 



In Stratford Church-yard, Suffolk, England. 

Whilst o'er this modest stone affliction weeps! 
Beneath a generous, cheerful Christian sleeps ; 
Who friend to man — and foe to vice alone, 
Liv'd for our bliss — and died to crown his own. 



In Peterborough Cathedral Church-yard, England. 

This house to rest, by fate for me design'd, 
After life's toils this resting-place I find : 
Reader, don't stir my tomb, for love of heaven, 
Nor envy me that peace which death has given ; 
When living I desired a quiet grave, 
Pray let my bones no molestation have. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 2i> 

In Pipebridge Church-yard, Herefordshire, England. 
This Earth on Earth did lately tread, 
This Earth on Earth hath made its bed ; 
This Earth on Earth shall closely stay 
Until the Resurrection day. 



Saturday, March 27, 1813. 
THE MONUMENT 

Erected by the Corporation of London to the memory of Mr. 
PITT, was opened to public view. It is placed on the south side 
of Guildhall, exactly facing that of his father, the late great Earl of 
Chatham. Mr. Canning, accompanied by Lord G. L. Gower, at- 
tended the Corporation Committee ; and after viewing it, expressed 
his satisfaction with the design and the execution of it. 

The massy substance on which the figures in this composition 
are placed, is intended to represent the Island of Great Britain and 
the surrounding Waves. On an elevation in the centre of the Island, 
Mr. Pitt appears in his robes, as Chancellor of the Exchequer, in 
the attitude of a public Orator. Below him, on an intermediate 
fore-ground, two Statues characterize his abilities ; while with the 
national Energy which is embodied, and riding on a symbol of the 
ocean in the lower centre, they assist to describe allusively the effects 
of his administration. Apollo stands on his right, impersonating Elo- 
quence and Learning. Mercury is introduced on his left, as the re- 
presentative of Commerce and the patron of Policy. To describe the 
unprecedented splendor of success which crowned the British Na- 
vy, while Mr. Pitt was Minister, the lower part of the Monument is 
occupied by a statue of Britannia, seated triumphantly on a sea- 
horse ; in her left hand is the usual emblem of Naval Power ; and 
her right grasps a thunder-bolt, which she is prepared to hurl at the 
enemies of her Country. 

The Inscription, written by Mr. Canning, is clear and nervous : 
and avoids, more perhaps than could have been expected from the 
Right Hon. Author, any very pointed allusions to those matters of 
policy on which such contrariety of opinion is still held. 



30 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 



mauam mtt. 

Son of WILLIAM PITT, Earl of Chatham, 

Inheriting' the genius, and formed by the precepts of his Father, 

Devoted himself from his early years to the service of the State. 

Called to the chief conduct of the Administration, after the close of a disasterous war, 

He repaired the exhausted Revenues, he revived and invigorated 

the Commerce and Prosperity of the Country ; 

And he had re-established the Public Credit on deep and sure foundations : 

When a new War was kindled in EUROPE, more formidable than any 

preceding War from the peculiar character of its dangers, 

To resist the arms of FRANCE, which were directed against the 

Independence of every Government and People, 

To animate other Nations by the example of GREAT BRITAIN, 

To check the contagion of opinions which tended to dissolve the frame of Civil Society/ 

To array the loyal, the sober-minded, and the good in defence of 

the venerable Constitution of the BRITISH MONARCHY, 

Were the duties which, at that awful crisis, devolved upon the British Minister, 

And which he discharged with transcendent zeal, intrepidity, and perseverance : 

He upheld the National Honour abroad ; 

He maintained at home the blessings of Order and of true Liberty ; 

And, in the midst of difficulties and perils, 

He united and consolidated the strength, power, and resources of the Empire. 

For these high purposes, 

He was gifted by Divine Providence with endowments, 

Rare in their separate excellence ; wonderful in their combination : 

Judgment ; imagination ; memory ; wit ; force and acuteness of reasoning ; 

Eloquence, copious and accurate, commanding and persuasive, 

And suited from its splendour to the dignity of his mind 

and to the authority of his station ; 

A lofty spirit ; a mild and ingenuous temper. 

Warm and steadfast in friendship ; towards enemies he was forbearing and forgiving'. 

His industry was not relaxed by confidence in his great abilities. 

His indulgence to others was not abated by the consciousness of his own superiority. 

His ambition was pure from all selfish motives : 

The love of power and the passion for fame, were in him 

subordinate to views of public utility ; 

Dispensing for near twenty years the favours of the Crown,. 

He lived without ostentation ; and he died poor. 

A GRATEFUL NATION 

Decreed to him those funeral honours 

Which are reserved for eminent and extraordinary men. 

THIS MONUMENT 

Is erected by the LORD MAYOR, ALDERMEN, and COMMON COUNCIL, 

To record the reverent and affectionate regret 

With which the CITY of LONDON cherishes his memory ; 

And to hold out to the imitation of Posterity 

Those principles of public and private virtue, 

Which ensure to Nations a solid gTeatness, 

And to individuals an imperishable name. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. . 31 

In St. Margaret's Church-yard, Rochester, Kent, England. 

Christ's death's my life — my life to death was portal, 
So through two deaths, I have one life immortal. 



In the Cathedral Church, Peterborough, England 

To your left, as you enter the west door, against the wall, is the picture of an old sexton, a» 
full length, whose name was SCARLEIT, with a bunch of keys in his hand, and a pickaxe 
and shovel by his side, with the following Epitaph. 

You see old Scarleit's picture stand on high, 
But at your feet there doth his body lie ; 
His gravestone doth his age and death-time show, 
His office by these tokens you may know ; 
Second to none for strength and sturdy limbs, 
A scarbage mighty voice with visage grim ; 
He had interr'd two Queens within this place, 
And the town's house-holders in his life's space 
Twice o'er ; but at length his own turn came, 
What he for others did, for him the same 
Was done — no doubt his soul doth live for aye 
In heaven, although his body's clad in clay. 



In Oakham Church-yard, Surry, England. 

to the memory of 

JOHN SPROJYG, 



A CARPENTER. 



Who many a sturdy oak had laid along, 
Fell'd by death's surer hatchet, here lies Sprong ; 
Posts oft he made, yet ne'er a place could get, 
And liv'd by railing, though he was no wit ; 
Old saws he had, although no antiquarian, 
And stiles corrected, yet was no grammarian. 



32 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 



In St. Neofs Churchward, Huntingdonshire, England. 

ON A DISSENTING MINISTER. 

A crum of Jacob's dust here lies below, 

Richer than all the mines in Mexico ; 

Its lying in these ruins does not prove 

Its Lord's neglect, nor yet decay of love ; 

It ever was and is its Lord's delight, 

And ne'er was put a moment out of sight ; 

'Twill rise and shine when nature's works are o'er, 

Bright as the firmament for evermore. 



In Moulton Church-yard, Devonshire, England. 

A man and wife were buried here, 

Who lived together forty year ; 

They both one year were born, as you may see. 

And lived to the age of sixty-three ; _ 

They in one day were buried, this is true, 

A caution, reader, is to each of you: 

Amend your lives, live godly still, 

Then welcome death, come when it will. 



In Maidstone Church-yard, Kent, England. 

To the Memory of FRANCIS JARRATT, who died March 
18th, 1779, aged 68 years. 

Here Francis Jarratt lies — what then? 
Frank, when his Master calls, will rise again. 

This stone was erected as a token of respect for the Memory of a man of singular wit, and 
native honesty. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 33 

Extracts from the Parish Register of Lanmaes, in the County of 
Glamorgan, Wales. (The orthography is that of the MS.) 

" I Van Yorath, buried a Saterdaye, the xvii (day of 
the month not very legible) daye of July, anno Doni 1621, 
et anno regni regis vicesimo primo, annoq; aetatis circa 180. 
He was a souldier in the fight of Boswoorthe, and lived at 
Lantwitt Major,* and he lived much by fishing." 

" John Sherrey, was buried the viith daye of Decem- 
ber, annoDom. 1623, age 102." 

In another place, the same person is thus registered in Latin: 

" Johannes Sherrey, sepultus fuit septimo die Decem- 
bris, anno Domini 1624. iEtat. circa 104." 

" Elizabeth Yeorath,| the wife of Edmund Thomas, 
was buried the 13th day of February, in the year of our Lord 
God 1688, age 177." 

There are other instances of longevity in the same Register. This parish, and the neigh- 
bourhood for many miles around, have afforded many remarkable instances of very great age 
within the memory of many living. In the belfry at Lantwit Major there is an inscription, 
©n a blue marble slab, with the age 129, the name Matthew Vass. The adjoining parish, to 
the north, of Lifworney, has several inscriptions with ages of 100. In the parish of St. Donats, 
joining westward, there is now living one John Harry, who is upwards of 112 years of age. 

The whole Vale of Glamorgan affords very numerous instances of longevity. It is an open 
country, dry soil on a limestone bottom, fertile, lies along the Bristol channel, the coast 
rocky, no marshes, sheltered to the north and north-east by a chain of mountains at about 
fifteen miles distance. The air is very clear and temperate. Lantwit Major (a town) is in 
latitude 51 deg. 24 min. -, but, what seemingly contributes most to the health and frequent 
long life of the inhabitants, is their simple diet, consisting of good wheat-bread, milk, cheese, 
butter, vegetables, and their drink nothing but water in general : many families never eat 
any animal food above once a week, seldom or never use any malt liquors, and spirituous 
liquors are almost unknown, except to some of the richer inhabitants. The cottages are well 
built of stone, and are very frequently whitewashed with new stone-lime within and without. 
Cleanly habits prevail, and flannel is generally worn next the body. The sea air from the 
South is supposed to contribute much to health. Mr. Howard, in one of his publications, (I 
remember,) highly recommends whitewashing with new stone-lime, as one of the very best 
preservatives against infection, and of health. 

* Lantwit Major is almost a mile distant, westward, of Lanmaes. 
t An instance, seemingly, of longevity being hereditary. 

E 



34 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In St. Peter's Church-yard, Nottingham, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF VIN EYRE. 

He was a man who was a great champion of the high party, and a man of natural talents, 
and was peculiarly remarkable for his filial duty to his aged mother. He died on the Election 
day, Sept. 6, 1727, soon after he had seen the Member chaired, in whose behalf be eierted 
himself in an extraordinary manner, without any mercenary views. 

Here lies Vin Eyre, let fall a tear 

For one true man of honour ; 
No courtly Lord that breaks his word, ■ 

Will ever be a mourner. 
In Freedom's cause he stretch' d his jaws, 

Exhausted all his spirit ; 
Then fell down dead, it must be said 

He was a man of merit. 
Let Freedom be as brave as he, 

And vote without a guinea ; 
Vin Eyre is hurl'd to the other world, 

And ne'er took bribe one penny. 

Likewise is inscribed to him on the account of his dutiful behaviour 
to his mother: 

True to his friends, his helpless mother kind, 
He died in honour's cause, to interest blind : 
Why should we grieve ? life's but an airy toy, 
We vainly weep for him who died with joy. 



In Great Yarmouth Church-yard, England. 

This life's a voyage, the world's a sea, 
Where men are strangely toss'd about ; 

Heaven is our port, steer thou that way, 
There thou wilt anchor safe no doubt 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 35 

In St. George's Chapel-yard, Tiverton, Devon, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OP AN AGED MIDWIFE, 

ANN CLARK, 

Of this town, who departed this life 12th day of January, 1773, aged 77 years. 

On harmless babes I did attend? 
Whilst I on earth my life did spend ; 
To hejp the helpless in their time of need, 
I ready was, with care and speed ; 
Many from pain my hands did free, 
But none from death could rescue me ; 
My glass is run, my hour is past, 
And yours is coming all so fast. 

JOHN BAILEY was the first child she received into the world, 1698, and since him 
above 5000. 



In the Church-yard, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England. 

In memory of JOHN CUTLER, aged 29 years. 
THOMAS FOSTER, 22 
RICHARD BARRATT, 19 

Late belonging to his Majesty's Sloop the ELY, who were drowned 
in coming from the Beach, 15th February, 1780. 

When the brave tar who furls aloft the sail, 
Escapes from peril, and survives the gale, 
How hard his fate, a thousand dangers pass'd, 
When near the friendly land to breathe his last! 
Though rescued oft from threat'ning seas, one wave 
Upsets the boat, and sends him to the grave ! 
Stranger, should chance direct thy footsteps here, 
Canst thou refrain to shed one generous tear? 
Whence thou now Britain forth her sons must call, 
Without emotion see one sailor fall ? 
Pervading armies still may o'er the land, 
But England's safety on her fleet depend. 



36 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In St. Mary's Burying-ground, Bury St. Edmonds, Suffolk, 

England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF THOMAS PACK, 

A FREEMASON. 

Beneath this sod a Brother's mouldering frame, 
Sown in corruption, waits a nobler claim ; 
Jn chequer'd steps he pass'd the morn of youth, 
And from a point traced out the line of truth ; 
The square of moral duties he preserv'd, 
And plumb'd his actions to his Master's word : 
Brothers, pass on, nor fear death's vanquish'd force, 
Follow your guide to life's eternal source. 



In the Cathedral Church-yard, Winchester, England. 

From a grateful remembrance of one, whose universal good will towards bis comrades this 
stone was placed at their expense, as a small testimony of their regard. 

Here sleeps in peace a Hampshire grenadier, 

Who caught his death by drinking cold small beer : 

Soldiers, be wise from his untimely fall, 

And when you are hot drink strong, or none at all. 

The first memorial being decayed, a new one was erected by the officers of the garrison, 1781. 

An honest soldier never is forgot, 
Whether he die by musket or by pot. 



In Hemmingford Abbey Church-yard, Huntingdonshire, Eng. 
What tho' this humble stone no titles keep, 
Yet silent here the private virtues sleep ; 
Truth, Honour, Justice, here together ran, 
An upright, plain, sincere, and honest man ; 
Health to the last, with mind composed and even, 
Soft he withdrew, as in a trance, to heaven. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 37 

In the Tower Church-yard, Ipswich, Suffolk, England. 

Beneath this turf, and mould'ring in decay, 
The mortal part rejoins its native clay ; 
But ye, who nature's mysteries explore, 
Know the immortal part is gone before: 
How fix'd we know not, but in day of doom 
When the dread soul those atoms shall resume ; 
But if a life, whose universal sway 
Tended each human duty to obey, 
May give assurance of the great reward, 
She dwells in joy celestial with her God. 



In Crediton Church-yard, Devon, England. 
Blooming beauty, smiling youth, 

Are blasted by the tyrant's breath ; 
Yet shall honour, virtue, truth, 

Hereafter triumph over death. 



In Chiswick Church-yard, Middlesex, England. 

If in the morn of life each winning grace, 
The converse sweet, the illuminated face, 
The lively wit that charm'd with early art, 
And mild affection streaming from the heart ; 
If this, lov'd youth! could check the hand of fate 
Thy matchless worth had claim'd a longer date. 
But thou art bless'd, while e'er we heave the sigh, 
Thy death is virtue wafted to the sky ; 
Yet still thy image fond affection keeps, 
The sire remembers, and the mother weeps ! 
Still the friends grieve who saw the vernal bloom, 
And here, sad task ! inscribe it on thy tomb. 



38 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 



DESCRIPTION 

OF THE FAMOUS STONE, WHICH SERVES FOR A PEDESTAL TO THE 
STATUE OF 

PETER THE GREAT, 

AT ST. PETERSBURG. 

THE Empress, Katharine II. having resolved to erect an equestrian statue to Peter the Great ; 
Stephen Falconet, who had the charge of executing this monument, imagined a new kind of pe- 
destal for the noble model he had framed. It was a steep misshapen rock •, whereby he might 
indicate to posterity, whence this hero of a legislator took his rise, and what obstacles he at 
length surmounted. 

An idea, thus original and sublime, obtained the approbation of every beholder. But the 
difficulty was to find a block of stone adequate, both in form and size, to the grandeur of the 
design. 

Fortune, which always favours great attempts, but does nothing for mediocrity, steps in to 
the assistance of this discovery. A rock was found, which Nature had placed in a vast morass, 
not far from a bay which the Gulf of Finland forms. At the very first sight it was deemed 
proper for the execution of the design of the artist. People were sent to measure it; who 
found that its height, taken in a horizontal line, was 21 feet, on 42 in length, and 34 in breadth. 

The very idea of moving such a mass was enough to terrify a common mind. But, under 
Ihe reign of Katharine II. difficulties never defeat the execution of a plan. This project, so 
■bold, so worthy of the ancient Romans, of transporting this rock to the centre of the capital, 
was immediately formed. 

In this view, they began digging about it to discover its depth. It was natural to think, 
that what appeared above the morass, was only the summit of a rock that descended far into 
the bowels of the earth. But how great was their surprise, on perceiving, that this mass of 
stone was absolutely insulated from it, and placed upon the ground as if by a miracle ! 

To this singularity was added another, in no degree less remarkable ; which is, that in all 
this vast morass, and its environs, there is not to be found another single stone ; nay, not even 
gravel or sand, or any other matter analogous to this wonderful rock ; or that could serve to 
the formation of it. 

What most affected persons with astonishment, was the interior of the stone. A stroke of 
thunder had damaged it on one side. For which reason, it had for many ages past been 
called, by the boors of the villages in its vicinity, THE THUNDER STONE. On striking off 
this shattered piece, there appeared, instead of homogeneous parts, a quantity of all sorts of 
fine and precious stones. Crystals, agates, granates, topazes, cornelians, and amethysts, afforded 
a sight to the curious no less magnificent than new, while, to the naturalists, it was an 
object of the most interesting investigation*. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 39 



So many striking peculiarities, united by Nature in this one rock, were powerful motives 
for sparing neither pains, nor expence, nor labour, to draw it from its bed, and employ it in a 
monument, unexampled in the world, and worthy of perpetuating the memory of the greatest 
of monarchs. , 

The first discovery of this stone was in the month of November, 1768. The necessary works 
were carried on with such activity, that, in the month of March following, the workmen were 
enabled to raise it from the ground, by placing it on a kind of sledge, and beginning its mo- 
tion towards Petersburg. 

One cannot sufficiently admire the ardour and celerity with which so extraordinary an en- 
terprise was completed in so short a space of time, and in the most inclement season. But 
what remained to be done was still more difficult to perform. 

This immense stone was found at the distance of eleven Russian versts, or about 41,250 Eng- 
lish feet, from the spot where the statue was to be placed, which it was intended to support 

Before it could reach the place of its destination, it was to pass over rising grounds, cross 
swamps, and boggy places, be transported over rivers, embarked upon the Neva, unsbipped, 
and then carried by land to the place appointed for it. 

Any person that chooses to form a notion of the vastness of this undertaking, and the labours 
it required, has no more to do than to consider, that the weight of this enormous mass, geo- 
metrically calculated, amounts to THREE MILLIONS TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND 
pounds. The largest obelisk in the world, that which Constantius, the son of CoDStantine 
the Great, caused to be transported from Alexandria to Rome, is in weight but 907,789 pounds, 
which is not a third part of the weight of the rock of Petersburg. 

Such is the stone that supports the equestrian statue of the legislator of Russia. In the 
whole history of the arts there is no mention of any thing so great, so wonderful. 

The statue of Peter the Great, placed on this rock, stands in an irregular square, formed on 
the left by the Senate House and other edifices, on the right by the admiralty, to the back by 
a magnificent marble Church, in honour of St. Isaac ; and in front of the statue runs the noble 
river Neva, the like of which, for the clearness of its waters, the constant fulness of its bed, and 
withal, the distance of its shores, no city in Europe has to boast of. The statue is at a proper 
distance from the foot of the great bridge of Pontons, extending across the Neva, to an oppo- 
site island, forming part of the city, and called Vassili ostrof, or Basil's island. The statue, to- 
gether with the transport of the stone whereon it stands, cost the Empress not less than 425,000 
rubles, which, at 42 pence the ruble, as the exchange was at that time, amounts to 74,375 
pounds sterling. On this stone is inscribed the modest epigram, " Petro prima Catharina se- 
cunda, 1782," in Latin on one side, and in Russia on the other. Two or three epigrams ap- 
peared on the occasion. Among them the following may be thought not unworthy of preser- 
vation: 

Ms formam Petro, basin dat petra ; quid istis Stabilius ? Regni gloria, Petre, tui. 



40 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Bridlington Church-yard, Yorkshire, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF WILLIAM CALVERT, 

Who was drowned at Bridlington Quay, aged 12 years. 
'Midst the surging billows howling, 
Till the wintry storms blew o'er, 
Providence the waves controling, 
Cast me on this peaceful shore. 

Cease, my friends, your lamentation, 
Boundless mercy set me free ; 

Doubt not I've obtain'd salvation, 
Lo! the Saviour pleads for me. 



In St. Mary's Church-yard, Whitilesea, Isle of Ely, England. 

ON AN INFANT. 

When thus with care we nurs'd the beauteous vine, 
And taught the docile branches where to twine ; 
An eastern gale, or some pernicious frost, 
Nips the young bud, and all our labour's lost. 



In St. PauVs Church-yard, Deptford, Kent, England, 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

JAMES BROWN, 

A WATERMAN, WHO WAS DROWNED. 

Awful and sad was my untimely death, 

In floods of sorrow I resign'd my breath ; 

The rushing torrent was my dying bed, 

No friend to close mine eyes, or raise my head ; 

Ah! while affection heaves for me a sigh, 

In order set thine house, for thou shalt die. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 41 

In the Church-yard, at Folkingham, Lincolnshire, England, is 
the following singular inscription. 

TO THE MEMORY OP 

JOHN BLAND, and JANE his wife, 

Wbo survived him only 45 days ; at the expiration of which time she died, making her own 
age to the exact amount of her husband's, as appears by the following inscription. 

John Bland, died March 27, 1797, aged 75 years, 6 months, 

and 4 days. 
Jane Bland, his widow, died May 11, 1797, aged 75 years, 
6 months, and 4 days. 

By the above it appears, that the age of each was terminated on one day of their existence. 



The following inscription on a stone against the wall in St. 
Mary's Church-yard, Bury St. Edmonds, Suffolk, Eng. 

AS A WARNING TO YOUTH. 

TO THE MEMORY OF SARAH LLOYD. 

Reader, 

Pause at this humble stone ! 

It records the fall of unguarded youth, 

by the 

Allurements of vice and the treacherous snares of seduction. 

SARAH LLOYD, 

On tne 23d of April, 1800, in the 22d year of ner age, 

Suffered a just but ignominious death, 

For admitting her abandoned seducer into the dwelling-house 

of her mistress, 

On the night of October the 3d, 1799, 

And becoming the instrument in his hands of the 

crimes of robbery and house-burning. 

These were her last words : 

" May my example be a warning to thousands." 

F 



42 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. - 

In St. PauVs Church-yard, Deptford, Kent, England, 

From all the chequer'd ills below, 

MARY secure doth sleep, 
Her little heart no pangs doth know, 

Her eyes no more shall weep. 

Let sorrow for her early doom 

No more in silence sigh ; 
For hope that points beyond the tomb 

Bids every tear be dry. 



In Dalkeith Church-yard^ Scotland. 

ON 

MARGARET SCOTT, 

Who died February 9th, 1738, aged 125 years. 

Stop, passenger, until my life you've read, 
The living may get knowledge by the dead: 
Five times five years I liv'd a virgin life, 
Ten times five years I was a virtuous wife, 
Ten times five years 1 liv'd a widow chaste, 
Now tired of this mortal world I rest ; 
I from my cradle to my grave have seen 
Eight mighty kings of Scotland and a queen ; 
Four times five years the common wealth I saw, 
Ten times the subjects rose against the law ; 
Twice did I see old prelacy pull'd down, 
And twice the cloak was humbled by the gown; 
An end of Stuarfs race I saw, no more; 
I saw my country* sold for English ore. 
Such desolations in my time have been, 
I have an end of all perfections seen. 

* Scotland. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 43 

OWEN CAROLLAN, 

OfDuleck, county ofMeath, in Ireland, labourer, died in 1764, 
aged 127 years. 
He had six fingers on each hand, and six toes on each foot ; 
a remarkable temperate and laborious man, and had good 
health until within a few days of his death. 



Mrs. HEYWOOD, aged 100 years, died in 1755, 

Relict of Thomas Heywood, Esq. who was first page of the 
bedchamber, and closet-keeper to King James II. whom he 
followed into exile, and whose attachment to that unfortunate 
Prince continued until his death. She was grand-niece to 
Archbishop Juxton. 



GEORGE KIRTON, Esq. 

Of Oxnop-hall, Yorkshire, England, died in 1764, aged 125 

years. 
He was a most remarkable fox-hunter, fol lowing the chase on 
horseback till he was eighty years of age : from that period to 
one hundred years, he regularly attended the unkenneling the 
fox in his single chair ; and no man, till within ten years of his 
death, made more free with his bottle. 



BLANCH LITTLETON, 

Of the parish of Llanlivery, near Lostwithiel, Cornwall, died 
in the year 1792, aged 101. 
Her death was occasioned by a fit. She was found on the fire, 
burnt in a shocking manner, having fallen from her chair in 
which she usually sat. Her grand-daughter had left the room 
but a few minutes. 



44 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In St. Mary's Church-yard, Whittlesea, Isle of Ely, England, 

ON A YOUNG PERSON. 

Stay, hasty youth, and view my tomb, 
Nor vainly boast of years to come ; 
Your bodies, made of brittle clay, 
Will quickly fall and drop away ; 
What though I died in blooming prime, 
It was the Lord's appointed time. 



In Ware Church, Hertfordshire, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

DR. WILLIAM W ALLEY, 

Who died April, 1793. 

So liv'd, so died, the friend long priz'd on earth 

For wit and learning, amity and worth ! 

For wit — to no mean purpose misapplied ; 

For classic learning — free from pedant pride ; 

For amity — that " no cold medium knew ;" 

For generous worth — that scorn'd a sordid view: 

Join'd with each practis'd pow'r, each studious skill, 

To check the ravages of morbid ill ; 

Or sweetly mingle with his balmy art, 

The blest nepenthe of a feeling heart ! 

And tho' now sunk in earth's insensate breast, 

That heart and all its social ardour rest ; 

Yet let us deign to shed, who stay behind, 

One tear — the tribute of a grateful mind— 

The least demand his memory can claim, 

For leaving to mankind a virtuous fame. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 45 



Dr. Crane, of Wells, has paid a valuable compliment to the 
merits of Dr. Walley, whose monumental inscription is in- 
serted in the preceding page. 

To him who calmly for his death prepares, 
Come when it will, it comes not unawares ; 
Sage precept useful lessons may impart, 
But 'tis example which best guides the heart. 
Walley ! a name to science ever dear, 
Claims from her sons a tributary tear ; 
His gen'rous bounty, to no sect confin'd, 
Within its sphere encircled all mankind ; 
Hence all mankind his recent fate deplore, 
Hence all men weep that Walley is no more! 
Each bard tears off the laurel from his head, 
And wears the baneful cypress in its stead : 
Emblem of grief unfeign'd — of true concern 
Best suited to his much-lamented urn! 
Whilst fair Melpomene enrols his name, 
And with her own entwines his lasting fame. 
Ah! why should Nature's frailty drop a tear! 
'Tis surely sin to mourn his envied bier : 
Since Heav'n decrees that he should hence remove, 
To share that bliss which only good men prove. 



WILLIAM ALDRIDGE, 

WHEELWRIGHT, 

Was buried at Acton, near London, on the 21st day of Nov. 1698, 

Aged 114 years 

A portrait of this venerable old man is in the possession of 
his great great grandson Mr. Thomas Eldridge, vestry clerk 
of the parish of Acton. 



46 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES 

In Bethnal- Green, near London, is a Burial-ground, near 
Duckingpond-row. 

This burial-ground is of the Dutch Jews, belonging to the Synagogue at Bricklayers' Hall, 
in Leadenhall-street. The Tombs of the Levites, whose office is to pour water (in the syna- 
gogue) upon the hands of the Cohens, (or those of the tribe of Aaron,) are distinguished by 
the device of a hand pouring water out of a flagon ; those of the tribe of Judah, by the device 
of two hands, with the thumbs joined. The inscriptions are in the most part in Hebrew only 
The following is one of the few English Epitaphs. 

Mrs. 
S earch England, or the universe around, 
A doctress so complete cannot be found ; 
M edicines prepar'd from herbs remove each ill, 
P erfect great cures, and proclaim her skill ; 
S ome hundreds her assistance frequent claim, 
O ften recorded by the trump of fame — 
N ow, reader, see if you can tell her name. 

The date is 5550, which corresponds with 1790 of the Christian era. 



Anttmg the principal persons interred in the above BuriaV 
ground, are 

Moses Jacob, founder of the Synagogue above mentioned, who died anno 1781.; Lipmar 
Spiar, a rabbi, (no date ;) Dr. Benjamin Wolf Yonker, 1785 ; Mr. Daniel Mentz, son-in-law to 
Dr. de Folk, 1788; Michael Jacobs, Esq. 1788 5 Isaac Abraham, reader of the Congregation, 
1790; Anne, wife of Moses Levy, merchant, 1790. Two instances of longevity occur; Mr 
Solomon Meyers, who died in 1778, aged 98; and Sarah Joseph, who died in 1782, (accord 
ing to her epitaph,) aged 107 years and 10 months. 



GUSTAVUS HOLME, 

Aged 132 years, died in 1685 

A Dover oilot ; was buried at Stoke, near Canterbury, 
Kent. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES 47 



IN BRIXHAM CHURCH-YARD, DEVON, ENGLAND. 

TO THE MEMORY OF WILLIAM GUY, 

- i 

A FREEMASON. 

The mortal part of Brother Guy 

Lies buried near this stone, 
His soul we hope is wafted high 

As Heaven's lofty throne : 
Death gave the stroke in life's full prime, 

'Twas God Almighty's will. 

Mortals hence learn, prepare in time 

Life's business to fulfil, 
Your actions square and walk upright, 

In compass still be found ; 
Then when you are summon'd to the light, 

With glory you'll be crown'd. 



IN GULVAL CHURCH-YARD, CORNWALL, ENGLAND. 

Now you, my friends, who bear me hence 

Unto my dusty bed, 
The place you often heard me say 

I long'd to lay my head ; 

Sing praise, sing praise, my loving friends! 

Sing praises all the way! 
It is my will that you should sing 

Upon my burial-day. 

My work is wholly done with you, 

This is your last for me ; 
And as you sing, so think ere long 

Thus carried you will be. 



48 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Chelmsford Church-yard, Essex, England, 
ON A SOLDIER. 

SHALL LOYALTY OBEDIENCE INTEGRITY AND GOOD MANNERS 

SINK UNRECORDED TO THE DUST ? 

THEN SACRED TO THIS MEMORIAL, 

WILLIAM TOMKINS, 

Who was upwards of 20 years Drum-Major to the East Norfolk 

Militia, 

Go, honest vet'ran, take thy long repose, 
Thou sacred grave ! let no rude hand disclose 

His hallow'd bones; 
A soldier's courage mark'd him open, never rude, 
His sense was plain, yet grac'd with gratitude ; 
By equals lov'd, who mourn'd his sudden doom, 
Superiors lov'd him, and inscrib'd his tomb ; 
Go, vet'ran go, and glory share in fields, 
Where faithful service bliss eternal yields. 



STEPHEN RUMBOLD, 

OF BRIGHTWELL, OXFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND. 

Died in 1687, aged 105 years. 

On Ms tomb, in the Church-yard of that place, is the following 
inscription. 

He liv'd one hundred and five, 

Sanguine and strong ; 
An hundred to five 

You live not so long. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 49 

JAMES THOMSON, Esq. 

BURIED AUGUST 29, 1748. 

The history and writings of this favourite poet are too well 
known to need any mention here. The house in which he re- 
sided, at Richmond in Surry, was purchased after his death by 
George Ross, Esq. who, out of veneration to his memory, for- 
bore to pull it down, but enlarged and improved it at the ex- 
pense of 9,000Z. sterling. It next became the property of the 
Hon. Mrs. Boscawen, who has repaired the poet's favourite seat 
in the garden, and placed in it the table on which he wrote his 
verses. Over the entrance is inscribed — " Here Thomson 
sung the seasons and their change." The inside is adorned 
with suitable quotations from authors who have paid due com- 
pliments to his talents ; and in the centre appears the following 
inscription : " Within this pleasing retirement, allured by the 
" music of the nightingale, which warbled in soft unison to 
" the melody of his soul, in unaffected cheerfulness and genial 
" though simple elegance, lived James Thomson. Sensibly 
" alive to all the beauties of Nature, he painted their images 
" as they rose in review, and poured the whole profusion of 
" them into his inimitable Seasons. Warmed with intense 
" devotion to the Sovereign of the universe, its flame glowed 
" through all his compositions ; animated with unbounded 
" benevolence, with the tenderest social sensibility, he never 
" gave one moment's pain to any of his fellow creatures, save 
" only by his death, which happened at this place on the 27th 
" day of August, 1748." 

Mr. Thomson was buried at the west end of the north aisle 
of Richmond church. There was nothing to point out the 
spot of his interment, till a brass tablet, with the following in- 
scription, was put up by the Earl of Buchan: 

" In the earth below this tablet are the remains of James 
" Thomson, author of the beautiful poems entitled, c The Sea- 
No. 3. G 



50 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

" sons,' ' The Castle of Indolence,' he. — who died at Richmond 
" on the 27th of August, and was buried on the 29th U.S. 1748. 
" The Earl of Buchan, unwilling that so good a man and so 
" sweet a poet should be without a memorial, has denoted the 
" place of his interment for the satisfaction of his admirers, in 
"the year of our Lord 1792." Underneath is a quotation 
from his Seasons : 

M Father of light and life ! thou God supreme ! 

" teacb me what is good ! teach me thyself ! 

" Save me from folly, vanity and vice, 

" From every low pursuit, and feed my soul 

" With knowledge, conscious peace, and virtue pure, 

a Sacred, substantial, never fading bliss." 



On a Monument in the Church ofLlanfoyst, Monmouthshire, Wales. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

Mrs. H ANBURY WILLIAMS. 

Stranger, or friend! with silent steps and slow, 

Who wanderest pensive thro' this hallow'd gloom 
Muse on the fleeting date of bliss below, 

And mark, with reverence due, Eliza's tomb! 
For 'tis not pride that rears this sculptur'd stone, 

To spread the honours of heraldic fame ! 
Here love connubial pours the plaintive moan, 

And 'dews, with bitter tears, Eliza's name. 
Here sad remembrance fondly loves to dwell, 

And wrings with woe a widow'd husband's breast, 
While e'er it points to the dark narrow cell 

Where the cold ashes of Eliza rest. 
Stranger, or friend ! hast thou a partner dear ? 

Go, press her closer to thy aching heart: 
With silent wing the moment hastens near, 

The dreadful moment, when ye too must part! 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 51 

DIED OCTOBER 1792, IN HER Cist YEAR, 

MRS. LAJYD, 

Wife of Mr. Land, at the London inn in Exeter ; an affectionate wife, indulgent parent, 
kind mistress, and faithful friend. Her remains were deposited in a vault in the Church at 
Pinhoe, when a sermon was preached on the occasion by the Rev. Mr. Lovering. Thirteen 
carriages followed the hearse, and upwards of one hundred on horseback, to shew thatre- 
spect due to the memory of a good woman. 

EPITAPH. 

When Israel's sons left Egypt's Land behind, 
By Hope and Faith the Promis'd Land to find ; 
Although, to reach that Land, such guides were given, 
One mark they miss'd, which points the road to Heaven. 
That glorious Land-mark souls astray to save, 
Once grae'd the mould'ring Land that fills this grave. 
Land was her name, and Nature's bounteous hand 
With such pure gifts but seldom bless'd a Land. 
As Charity, with Hope and Faith combin'd 
To guide her footsteps, and exalt her mind ; 
And still through life, and in a Land of cares, 
She bore the sterling mark each virtue bears ; 
While waiting Death's approaches unannoy'd, 
She in herself the Promis'd Land enjoy'd: 
And now, to join that Land, we hope and trust, 
This precious Land is mingled with the dust. 



IN CAMBERWELL CHURCH REGISTER IS RECORDED 

ELIZABETH JONES, 

BURIED NOVEMBER 22, 1775, AGED 125 YEARS. 

A few months prior to her death, an account of this woman 
appeared in the St. James's Chronicle, in which it was stated that 
she retained all her faculties perfect, and that she remembered 
being at service when King Charles II. was crowned. 



52 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

THOMAS DAMME, 

Died in 1648, aged 154 years. 

Of Leighton, near Minshul, in the palatinate of Chester, 
England, as may be seen by his gravestone, on which his age 
is cut, (to prevent mistake,) in words at length ; and also to 
be seen in the Church register, which is signed by the Rev. 
T. Holdford, Vicar ; and T. Kennerly, and J. Warburton, 
Churchwardens. 



[As every thing which relates to our late excellent poet Cowper cannot but be interesting to 
literary men ; we here insert the Epitaph, which is inscribed on a monument erected to th« 
memory of bis amiable mother, in the chancel of Berkhampstead Church, Herts - , of which 
parish Mr. Cowper's father was many years the incumbent, and where also " The Bard of 
England" was born.] 

MRS. ANNE COWPER 

LATE WIFE OF JOHN COWPER, D.D. 

Ob. Nov. 13, 1737, anno aetat. 34. 

Here lies interr'd, too soon bereft of life, 
The best of mothers, and the kindest wife; 
Who neither knew, nor practis'd any art, 
Secure in all she wishM, her husband's heart ; 
Her love to him preserving ev'n in death, 
Pray'd Heav'n to bless him with her latest breath. 
Still was she studious never to offend, 
And glad of an occasion to commend ; 
With ease could pardon injuries receiv'd, 
Nor e'er was cheerful when another griev'd : 
Despising state, with her own lot content, 
Enjoy 'd the comforts of a life well-spent ; 
Resign'd when Heav'n demanded back her breath j 
Her mind heroic 'midst the pangs of death. 
Whoe'er thou art that dost this tomb draw near, 
O stay awhile, and shed a friendly tear ! 
These lines, tho' weak, are like herself sincere. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 53 

ELEGY. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

WILLIAM COWPER, Esq. 

To thee, great Bard, each grateful Muse would pay 

The last sad tribute to thj T mem'ry due ; 
For thee would cull the sweetest flow'rs of May, 

And o'er thy hallow'd bier rich garlands strew. 
For thou wast dear alike to all the nine, 

Rich in each grace of poesy to please, 
The " thoughts that breathe, and words that burn," were 
thine, 

Thine, Sweetness, Force, Simplicity, and Ease. 
Themes of sublimest sort won thy regard, 

Correctly studious of great Nature's plan, 
And while Taste bids us to admire the Bard, 

Virtue compels us to revere the Man. 
Still as we read, th' enraptur'd soul doth own, 

'Tis Heav'n-born genius marks each glowing line ; 
'Tis fancy hails thee as her fav'rite son, 

Fraught with rich stores from her exhaustless mine. 
To Virtue dear thyself, in Virtue's praise, 

Oft as the theme thy fond regard did claim, 
Grac'd by the magic sweetness of thy lays, 

Exalted higher seem'd her spotless name. 
Religion too, sweet balm of ev'ry ill, 

Her doctrines pure thy tuneful strains impress'd, 
E'en with as fervent, with as fix'd a zeal, 

As ever fir'd a Saint's or Martyr's breast. 
While Vice and folly felt thy keen rebuke, 

Their semblance vile, pourtray'd in tints so true, 
That honest Shame succeeds Effront'ry's look, 

Appall'd themselves, and frighted at the view. 



54 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

This humble trophy, to record thy worth, 

No venal Eulogist essays to rear, 
Now, that thy purer spirit quits this eanh, 

Can Flattery's voice offend thy modest ear? 
But what avails the Poet's feebler aim ? 

Though simple Truth adorn his artless lay y 
Since thy own verse shall stamp a deathless name, 

And give thee down to Time's remotest day. 



The following is an inscription on a monument in St. Anne's church, Blackfriars, London, to 
the memory of a truly valuable character. The monument principally consists of a bas-relief in 
elegant statuary marble, of a blunted pyramidical form, which contains a beautiful figure of 
Faith, with a telescope in one hand, pointing to the Saviour in his state of exaltation, and 
sitting on a rainbow, and the Bible open in the other band, exhibiting the following text: 
tt Behold the lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world/' On one side of the figure 
of Faith is an altar, with a slain lamb burning on it ; and on the other the sacramental signs } 
behind which is a fountain issuing from a rock. Underneath this bas-relief is the inscription 
tablet. On the top of the monument is a bust of Mr. Romaine, said to be an admirable 



In a vault beneath lies the mortal part of the 

REV. WILLIAM ROMAINE, A. M. 

Thirty years rector of these united parishes, and forty years 

lecturer of St. Dunstan's in the West. 

Raised up of God for an important work in his Church ; 

A Scholar of extensive learning ; a Christian of eminent piety; 

A Preacher of peculiar gifts and animation ; 

Consecrating all his talents to the investigation of sacred truth, 

during a ministry of more than half a century, 

He lived, conversed, and wrote, only to exalt the Saviour. 

Mighty in the Scriptures, 

He ably defended, with eloquence and zeal, 

The equal perfections of the Triune Jehovah exhibited in 

man's redemption ; 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 55 

The Father's everlasting love ; 
The atonement, righteousness, and complete salvation of the 

Son; 

The regenerating influence of the Eternal Spirit ; 

With the operations and enjoyments of a purifying faith. 

When displaying these essential doctrines of the Gospel, with 

a simplicity and fervour rarely united, 

His enlivened countenance expressed the joy of his soul; 

God owned the truth, 

And multitudes, raised from guilt and ruin to the hope of 

endless felicity, 

Became seals to his ministry, the blessings and the ornaments 

of society. 

Having manifested the purity of his principles in his life 

to the age of 81, 

July 26, 1795, he departed in the triumph of Faith, 

and entered into glory. 

Many witnesses of these facts, uniting with the grateful 

inhabitants of these parishes, erect this monument. 



In Winbourne Minster Church-yard, Hampshire, England. 
ON A CHILD. 
Oh! heaven-born child, and heir of heavenly grace! 
Farewell the smiling beauties of thy face ; 
Thy budding virtues shone beyond compare, 
Pure as the morn, serene as evening air 



IN WHITCHURCH CHURCH-YARD, HAMPSHIRE, ENGLAND. 

Rest, ye precious relicts! within this 
Hospitable gloom rest in gentle slumbers, 
Till the last trump shall give the awful signal, 
And sound aloud through all your silent mansions. 



56 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

REMARKABLE EPITAPH. 

ON AN ALTAR-TOMB IN THE CHURCH-YARD AT BRIGHTHELM- 
STONE, SUSSEX, ENGLAND. 

Capt. Nicholas Tettersell, thro' whose prudence, valour, and 
loyalty, C. II. K. of England, and after he had escaped the 
sword of his merciless rebells and his forses had received a 
fatal overthrow at Worcester Sept. 3, 1651, was faithfully pre- 
served and conveyed into France, departed this life 26 day of 
July 1674. 

Within this marble monument doth lye 

Approved faith, honour and loyalty 

In this cold clay he has now ta'ne up his station 

At once preserved the church, the crown and nation 

When Charles the Great was nothing but a breath 

This valiant soul stept between him and death 

Userpers threats nor tyrant rebels froun 

Cou'd not affright his duty to the crown 

Which glouriouse act of his for church and state 

Eight princess in one day did gratulate 

Professing all to him in debt to be 

As all the world are to his memory 

Since earth coud not reward his worth have given 

He now receives it from the King of Heaven 

In this same chest one Jewell more you have 

The partner of his virtiouse bed and grave. 

Susannah his wife who deceased the 4 day of May 1672 To 
whose piouse memory and his own honour Nicholas their on- 
ly son and just inheritor of his father's virtues has payed in 
this monument 1676 

Here also layes intered the body of Capt. Nicholas Tettersel 
his son who departed this life the 4th of the calends of Octo- 
ber 1701 in the 57th year of his age. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 57 



SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF THE 

REV. JOHN EYRE, D.D. 

Who, for thirty-three years, diligently preached and faithfully 

practised the duties of a Christian Pastor, 

in the office of Curate to the parish of Wily, in Wilts. 

With serenity and resignation 

he departed this life 

on Wednesday the 24th of October, 1792, 

sincerely lamented. 

Too faint the language of my feeble pen, 

Though strong my wish, and ardent be my zeal, 

To speak thy virtues ! — O, thou best of men, 
How shall the Muse thy pious deeds reveal ! 

A patriarch ! a friend, whose generous aim 
Sought how to wipe from pale Affliction's eye 

The pensive tear — to check the mourner's sigh, 
And bid the wretched praise their Saviour's name ! 

Faith, Hope, and Charity (blest emblems these !) 
Were in thy practice and thy love exprest ; 

Thy voice was comfort, changing pain to ease, 
And teaching sinners how they may be blest ! 

Friendship and Pity, Virtue, Peace, and Love, 

Around thy sacred monument appear, 
Hymning thy spirit to the realms above, 

Where souls like thine their Maker's praise declare ! 



Died in 1767, at Ware, Hertfordshire, England. 

A poor man, well known by the nick-name of Poor Joe 
All-Alone, aged 105 years ; who, it is said, had not been in 
bed for fifty years. 

H 



SS SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Westminster Abbey , London, 

TO THE MEMORY OF MR. WOOLLETT, A CELEBRATED ARTIST. 

WILLIAM WOOLLETT, 

born Aug. xxii. MDCCXXXV. 

died May xxii. MDCCLXXXV. 

The Genius of Engraving, 

handing down to posterity the works of 

Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture, 

Whilst Fame is distributing them over the 

four quarters of the globe. 

A good bust of Mr. Woollett, as large as life, forms the top of the monument ; he is seated 
at work, surrounded by Painting, Sculpture, &.c &c. 



Written in the Church-yard at Brighthelmstone, Sussex, Eng. 

ON SEEING THE FUNERAL OF A PAUPER, 
WHO PERISHED FOR WANT. 

BY CHARLOTTE SMITH. 

Swells then thy feeling heart, and streams thine eye 

O'er the deserted being, poor and old, 
Whom cold, reluctant, parish charity 

Consigns to mingle with his kindred mould? 
Mournst thou, that here the time-worn sufferer ends 

Those evil days that promis'd woes to come, 
Here, where the friendless feel no want of friends, 

Where e'en the houseless wanderer finds a home ! 
What tho' no kindred crowd in sable forth 

And sigh, or seem to sigh, around the bier j 
Tho' o'er his coffin, with the humid earth, 

No children drop the unavailing tear ; 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 59 

Rather rejoice, that here his sorrows cease, 

Whom sickness, age, and poverty opprest ; 
Where Death, the leveller, restores to peace 

The wretch, who living knew not where to rest. 
Ah ! think that this poor outcast, spurn'd by fate, 

Who a long race of pain and sorrow ran, 
Is, in the grave, even as the rich and great: 

Death vindicates th' insulted rights of man. 
Rejoice ! that tho' severe his earthly doom, 

Tho' rude, and strewn with thorns the path he trod, 
Now (where unfeeling Fortune cannot come) 

He rests upon " the bosom of his God !" 



IN BEDDINGTON CHURCH, SURRY, ENGLAND, 

Against the wall of the north aisle, is a tablet in a wooden 
frame, with the following singular inscription : 

u Mors super virides montes." 

Tho. Greenhill, borne and bredd in the famous university 
of Oxon, Batchelor of Artes, and sometymes student in Mag- 
dalen Coll. steward to the Noble Knight Sir Nicholas Carew 
of Beddington, who deceased Sept. 17th, anno 1634. 

Under thy feete interr'd is heare, 

A native borne in Oxfordsheere ; 

First life and learning Oxford gave, 

Surry to him his death and grave ; 

He once a Hill, was fresh and Greene, 

Now withered, is not to be seene ; 

Earth in earth shovell'd up is shut 

A Hill into a hole is put. 

But darksome earth, by power divine, 

Bright at last as the sonne may shine. 

Will. Greenhill, master of artes, his brother, and Mary his 
sister, erected this. fl 



0© SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

IN THE YEAR 1635, DIED 

Aged 152 years, of Wennington, Shropshire, England, 

A POOR COUNTRYMAN. 

At the age of eighty-eight, he married his first wife, by 
whom he had two children, who died young. At the age of 
one hundred and two, he fell in love with Catharine Milton, 
who became pregnant by him, and for which he did penance 
in the church. At the age of one hundred and twenty, he mar- 
ried a widow woman ; and at the very advanced age of one 
hundred and thirty, he was able to do any husbandry work, 
even the threshing of corn. He frequently eat by night, as 
well as by day ; was contented with skimmed cheese, milk, 
coarse bread, small beer, and whey; and, what is remark- 
able, he eat at midnight, a little before he died. He had 
seen 10 Kings and Queens of England. A few years before 
his death, he was brought to London by Thomas, Earl of 
Arundell, who presented him to King Charles I. ; and about 
that time the Countess of Arundell presented a midwife to the 
Queen, who was one hundred and twenty-three years old, and 
who exercised her profession but two years before. Parr was 
now a domestic in the family of the Earl of Arundell, and fed 
high, and drank plentifully of the best wines, by which, af- 
ter a constant, plain, an 1 homely diet, the natural functions of 
the parts of his body were overcharged, his lungs obstructed, 
and the habit of the whole body quite disordered ; in conse- 
quence, there could not but speedily ensue a dissolution. If he 
had not changed his diet, he might possibly haved lived many 
years longer. His body was opened after his death ; it was 
found to be very fleshy ; his heart was thick and fat ; his vis- 
cera very sound and strong, especially the stomach ; his kid- 
neys were covered with fat, and sound, as were also the seve- 
ral members of his body. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 61 



IN THE CHURCH-YARD, CARSHALTON, SURRY, ENGLAND. 

To the memory of THOMAS HUMPHREYS, a corpulent 
barber, who was a famous dancer, with the following whim- 
sical inscription: 

" Tom Humphreys lies here, by death beguil'd, 
;t Who ne'er did harm to man, woman, or child ; 
" And since without foe no man e'er was known, 
" Poor Tom was nobody's foe but his own ; 
" Lay light on him earth, for none would than he 
a (Though heavy in bulk) trip it lighter on thee." 

" Died, Sept. 4th, 1742, aged 44 years." 



WILLIAM WAKELEY, 

A NATIVE OF SHIFFNAL, SHROPSHIRE, ENGLAND, 

Died in 1714, aged 124. 

He lived in the reigns of eight kings and queens, and was 
buried at Adbaston, which is recorded on a small board affixed 
to a pillar opposite the pulpit, in ShifFnal church. 



In Thorn Church-yard, Yorkshire, England. 

If e'er sharp sorrows from thy eyes did flow, 
If e'er thy bosom felt another's woe, 
If e'er fair beauty's charms thy heart did prove? 
If e'er the offspring of thy virtuous love, 
Bloom to thy wish, or to thy soul was dear, 
This plaintive stone does ask of thee a tear ; 
For here, alas ! too early snatch'd away, 
All that was lovely, death has made his prey. 



62 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In the Church-yard of St. Albans' Abbey, Hertfordshire, Eng- 
land. 

' Here the afflicted find a calm retreat, 
Repose and quiet here in silence meet ; 
Here is relief for all that are distress'd, 
And here the pain'd and wearied are at rest. 



IN ST. ALBANs' ABBEY, HERTFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND, 

Js a Monument to the memory of Humphry, brother to King 
Henry V. commonly distinguished by the title of the " good 
Duke of Gloucester." TXie inscription is in Latin, alluding to 
the pretended mraculoub cure of a blind man, which defraud 
was detected by the Duke\ It is thus translated: 

Interr'd within this consecrated ground 
Lies he whom Henry his protector found ; 
Good Humphry, Gloster's duke, who well could spy 
Fraud crouch'd within the blind impostor's eye. 
His country's right the states rever'd support, 
Who peace and rising learning deign'd to court; 
Whence his library at Oxford plac'd, 
Her ample schools with sacred influence grac'd; 
Yet fell beneath an envious woman's wile, 
Both to herself, her king, and country vile ; 
Who scarce allow'd his bones this spot of land, 
Yet spite of envy shall his glory stand. 



In the Church-yard of Woolwich, Kent, 
Here, reader, pause ! death is the lot of all, 
The king, the beggar, youth and age must fall ; 
How near this change thyself no one can tell, 
The safest preparation's living well. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 63 

1 ■ 

In Uffington Church-yard, Berkshire, England. 

Boast not, vain man, of constitution strongj 
Tho 7 health and vigour should thy days prolong ; 
I, not long since, could boast as well as thee 
A sprightly youth, and from diseases free ; 
But death, regardless of our joys and fears, 
Cut off my life in the full bloom of years. 



IN BEVERLEY MINSTER, YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND. 

TO THE MEMORY OF FRANCIS BEST, Esq. 

Who died in this town, February 21, 1779, aged 80 years, and 
who was a Magistrate more than 40 years. 

Form'd as he was on nature's purest plan, 
Grac'd with each virtue that ennobles man; 
Where genuine truth, simplicity and ease, 
Display'd their ev'ry charm and pow'r to please ; 
Who temp'ring justice by the laws of heav'n, 
Sav'd where he could to be himself forgiv'n. 
Sent was to teach, and to delight mankind, 
He's gone — his real home and bliss to find ; 
Spare then the falling tear, the needless sigh, 
When life is goodness, 'tis a gain to die. 



In the Church-yard, at Gravesend, Kent, England. 
TO THE MEMORY OF JOHN HALES. 

No lieing stone shall tell of Hales's fame, 
Or give him titles that he dares not own; 

A sinner sav'd, is all the Christian's claim, 
And that's enough, we'll leave the rest alone. 



64 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 



IN CAMBERWELL CHURCH, COUNTY OF SURRY, ENGLAND. 

The aisle was the burying-place of the Muscharap's family, and is still claimed for that 
purpose by the proprietors of the Peckham estate. Against the North wall is a small Monu- 
ment, with the effigy of a woman kneeling; underneath is the following inscription: 

Lo! Muschas' stock a fruitful braunch did bringe, 
Adorn'de with vertues fit for ladies bright ; 

Sir Thomas Hunt, on May-day's pleasaunt springe 
Possest the frowe that was his soule's delight: 

His lovely Jane had two sones and daughters three, 
With wealth and vertues meet for their degree. 

When twice seven years, six months, ten dayes, were spent 
In wedlock bands, and loyall love's delight, 

November twelfth daye, then she was content 
This world to leave, and give to God his right: 

Her sixty-three yeares full, complete and ended, 
Her soule to God, to earth her corps commended. 

1604. 



In the same Church, against the wall, is a Monument in- 
laid with brass plates, representing the figures of a man ha- 
bited in a gown, kneeling, his wife in the same posture, and 
ten children, to the memory of RICHARD SKYNNER, who, 
as the inscription informs us, died in 1407, and his wife 
AGNES, who died in 1499. The very singular circumstance 
of a woman surviving her husband ninety-two years, has 
created much surprise ; but if there has been no error in the 
dates, the wonder would not cease here, for it would appear 
that his sons William and Michael, who died in 1497 and 1498, 
survived their father, the one ninety and the other ninety-one 
years. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 65 

In the Cathedral Church, Chichester, Sussex England, 

There is a vault erected for the family of Doctor Guy, in which there is the figure of Death 
holding a scroll, with the following inscription : 

Whence has the world her magic powers? 

Why deem ye death a foe? 
Recoil from weary life's best hours, 

And covet longer woe ? 

The cause is conscience, conscience oft 

Her tale of guilt renews ; 
Her voice is terrible, tho' soft, 

And dread of death ensues. 

Judgment speaks, and there's the fear 

That prompts your wish to stay ; 
You have incur'd a long arrear, 

And must dis'pear to pay. 

Yet counsel take before we part, 

Repent, your life amend ; 
Confide in Christ, nor fear my dart, 

We'll meet as friend meets friend. 



IN MALVERN CHURCH, WORCESTERSHIRE, ENGLAND. 

ON MR. JOSEPH BAYLIS AND HIS WIFE. 

They were so truly one, that none could say 
Which of them rul'd, or whether did obey: 
He rul'd, because she would obey ; and she, 
In so obeying, rul'd as well as he. 
I 



I 

66 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

IN THE CHURCH-YARD, LAMBETH, NEAR LONDON, IS THE 
MONUMENT OF 

JOHN TRADESCANT,* 

Which was erected 1662, and repaired by subscription in 1773, 
when the following inscription was restored : 

Know, stranger, ere thou pass, beneath this stone 

Lie John Tradescant, grandsire, father, son ; 

The last died in his spring ; the other two 

Liv'd till they had traveled art and nature through ; 

As by their choice collections may appear 

Of what is rare in land, in seas, in air ; 

Whilst they (as Homer's Iliad in a nut) 

A world of wonders in one closet shut ; 

These famous antiquarians that had been 

Both gard'ners to the rose and lily queen, 

Transplanted now themselves, sleep here, and when 

Angels shall, with their trumpets awaken men, 

And fire shall purge the world, these hence shall rise 

And change their garden for a paradise. 



In Cainberwell Church register are the following singular en- 
tries, May 5th, 1658. 

Rose, wife of William Hathaway, buried, aged 103, who 
bore a son at the age of sixty-three ;f her husband, who was 
about her own age, survived her three years, being buried 
Oct. 3, 1661, aged 105. 



* John Tradescant bad been gardener to the Duke of Buckingham, and other noblemen; 
and was afterwards promoted to the service of King Charles the First. He travelled over 
great part of Europe and Africa in search of new plants ; of which he made a very choice 
collection, many of which were long called by his name. 

t Some of the most eminent men in the medical profession are of opinion, that it is neither 
impossible nor incredible, that such an event should happen. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 67 

In the same register, June 2, 1 687. 

Robert Hern, and Elizabeth Bozwell, king and 
queen of the gipsies, married at this church. 



IN THE CHAPEL AT KEW, NEAR RICHMOND, SURRY, IS A TAB- 
LET TO THE MEMORY OF 

JEREMIAH MEYER, R.A. 

Late painter in miniature and enamel to his Majesty y %oith the 
following verses : 

Meyer! in thy works the world will ever see 
How great the loss of art in losing thee ; 
But love and sorrow find their words too weak 
(Nature's keen sufTrings) on thy death to speak: 
Through all her duties, what a heart was thine! 
In this cold dust, what spirit used to shine ! 
Fancy, and truth, and gaiety, and zeal, 
What most we love in life, and losing feel. 
Age after age may not one artist yield 
Equal to thee in painting's nicer field *, 
And ne'er shall sorrowing earth to heav'n commend 
A fonder parent, or a truer friend. 



IN TODDINGTON CHURCH, BEDFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND, 

Tbere is a curious Epitaph on LADY MARIA WENTWORTH, who died in 1632, ag«l 

18 years. The following inscription, alluding to her early death, affords a curious 

specimen of the extravagant mode of expression in that age: 

" Her soul grew so fast within, 
" It broke the outward shell of sin, 
" And so was hatch'd a cherubim." 



68 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Moorton Church-yard, Devonshire, England. 

So glides the stream, of human life away, 

All ranks and orders must to death resign ; 
Though brave or base, or indolent or gay, 

Or young in life with virtues such as thine ; 
Caress'd, esteem'd, respected or approv'd, 

By all whom friendship, all whom virtue own, 
In death lamented, as in life belov'd : 

Such was thy lot, but now the days are gone. 
Go then, clear youth, and on some heavenly shore, 

While tears of friendship mingle with thy dust, 
Partake those mercies God reserves in store, 

In other words, to recompense thy trust. 



In the Church-yard, Yarmouth Suffolk, England. 

One day a bride, the next beneath the waves 
She found unhappy and untimely grave ; 
The fatal cause import not thee to know, 
Reader, fear God, and mind not things below. 

Should melancholy fix upon your mind, 
Seek God in Jesus' name, if peace you'll find; 
'Tis Christ alone can take our sins away, 
None need despair who in his name do pray. 



In Royston Church-yard, Hertfordshire, England, 

Hush'd is the storm of life's tempestuous day, 
Thy heart no more by mortal anguish torn 

Serene reposes with its kindred clay 

Till wake'd from death to hail the eternal morn. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 69 

In Streatley Church-yard, Berkshire, England. 

You who have lost a tender mother, 
Faithful friend, and guardian true, 

Come, for how can any other 
Sympathize with me like you? 

You who have so great a treasure, 

Praise it while it is possess'd ; 
I, alas! have lost that pleasure, 

But the will of God is best. 



In the Cathedral Church, Canterbury, Kent, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

SIR THOMAS THORNHURST, 

Who was slain in the expedition against the Isle of Rhee, in 1627. 

Stay, gentle reader, pass not slightly by, 

This tomb is sacred to the memory 

Of noble Thornhurst! what he was and who, 

There is not room enough in this to shew, 

Nor his brave story at full length explain ; 

Both Germanies, the new found World, and Spain, 

Ostend's long siege, and Newport's battle tried 

His worth, at last warring with France he died ; 

His blood seal'd the last conquest for black Rhee, 

Gave him at once a death and victory ; 

His death, as well as life, victorious was, 

Fearing least Rhee, as might be brought to pass, 

By others might be lost in time to come, 

He took possession till the day of doom. 



70 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In the Church-yard at Milton, Kent, England. 

Here sleeps a maid, who sunk to rest 
With beauty, youth, and virtue blest ; 
When spring, with dewy fingers cold, 
Returns to deck this hallow'd mould, 
She here shall dress a sweeter sod 
Than fancy's feet have ever trode. 

By parents dear her knell was rung, 
By mournful friends her dirge was sung ; 
Here honour comes, a pilgrim grey, 
To bless this turf that wraps her clay ; 
And friendship shall awhile repair 
To dwell a weeping hermit here. 



In Royston Church-yard, Hertfordshire, England. 

And doth this tomb a solemn truth proclaim 
To old and young, that earthly hopes are vain? 
That sorrow, pain, and death will close the scene 
Of this short life ; its joys an empty dream? 
Then shun the paths of sin, to Jesus fly, 
And learn, with equal ease, to sleep or die. 



In Uffington Church-yard, Berkshire, England. 

The silent tomb and rising hillocks shew 
The way, the end, of mortals here below ; 
But silent tombs nor hillocks can affright 
The soul of him whose ways are just and right; 
How calm's the righteous man, with God his friend, 
Peace crowns his life, and happiness his end ! 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 



THE FOLLOWING SINGULAR EPITAPH 

WAS TAKEN PROM A BURYING-GROUND IN SPRING-PATH, NEAR PORT- 
ROYAL, JAMAICA. 

" Here lies the body of Lewis Galdy, Esq. who died 
Sept. 22, 1739. He was born at Montpelier in France, which 
place he left for religion, (being a Protestant,) and settled in 
that Island; where in the great earthquake in 1692, he was 
swallowed up ; and, by the great providence of God, by a se- 
cond shock, was thrown into the sea, where he swam till he was 
taken up by a boat, and most miraculously preserved. He 
afterwards lived in great reputation, and died lamented, aged 
80 years." 



IN TAUNTON CHURCH, IN THE COUNTY OF SOMERSET, ENG. 

Is a monument to the memory of Robert Gr?>y, Esq. a native of that town, who, being left 
a poor helpless orphan, went to London to seek his fortune. Here he engaged himself as an 
errand boy, and, in this state of servitude, he behaved so well, that his master took him an 
apprentice, and when out of his time set him up in a shop 5 where, by his industry, care, and 
diligence, he had such success that he acquired a large fortune. In his old age he declined 
trade and returned to Taunton, where he built and endowed an hospital for sixteen old de- 
cayed people of both sexes. Underneath bis effigy, on his monument, is the following singu- 
lar inscription *. 

Taunton bare him ; London bred him ; 

Piety train'd him ; virtue led him ; 

Earth enrich'd him ; heav'n possess'd him ; 

Taunton bless'd him ; London bless'd him ; 

This thankful town, that mindful city, 

Share his piety and pity. 

What he gave, and how he gave it, 

Ask the poor, and you shall have it. 

Gentle reader, may heaven strike 

Thy tender heart to do the like. 

And now thy eyes have read his story, 

Give him the praise, and God the glory. 



72 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

IN THE CHURCH AT PUTNEY, SURRY, NEAR LONDON, UNDER THE 

NORTH WINDOW OF THE CHANCEL, IS THIS 

SINGULAR INSCRIPTION I 

Verba Mariae moriturae. 

"See me buried by my former husband, and remember the poor." 

It is explained by the following lines on a flat marble slab in the Chancel, being the tomb of 

MARY* 

Daughter of GEORGE SCOTT, Esq. and wife first of RICHARD LUSHER, 
and afterwards of THOMAS KNYVETT, Esq. 

That you have layd my body here 

By that first side I lov'd so dear, 

I thank you, husband ; that the poore 

Are still your care, I thank you more : 

This last I charg'd you with alive, 

Being dead, I rest while you survive. 

But yet I have another boone, — 

When fate shall come, (as come full soone 

It will, and I'll not be denied,) 

That you would close my other side j 

You've thought it worthy to be read 

You once were second to my bed ; 

Why may you not like title have 

To this my second bed, the grave? 

This stone will cover us all three, 

And under it we shall be free 

From love or hate, or least distrust 

Of jealousy, to vex our dust; 

For here our bodies do but wait 

For summons to their glorious state. 

*Mary Knyvett died in 1623. On the north wall of the chancel there is a monument of black 
marble to her memory, with an elegant Latin inscription. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 73 

In Ramsey Church-yard, Huntingdonshire, England. 
Escap'd from life, and all its train of ills, 
Which, ah! too sure, the aged pilgrim feels ; 
To shorter trials doom'd and lighter toil 
Ere sin could tempt, or this vain world defile : 
This highly favourM child returns to rest, 
Tastes but the cup of sorrow, and is blest. 



In Tiverton Church-yard, Devonshire, England. 
Dear lovely bowers of innocence and ease, 
Seats of my youth, when every spot could please! 
In all my wand'rings round this world of care, 
In all my griefs (and I have had my share) 
I still had hopes my latest hours to crown, 
Amidst your humble shades to lay me down. 



In the Church-yard at Deptford, Kent, England. 

ON A 

SHIP CARPENTER, 

Whose death was occasioned by a fall on board of a Ship in his 
Majesty's service. 

Oft have I been where seas ran mountains high 
When tempest howl'd, and storms obscur'd the sky ; 
Brav'd the dread fight in Britain's sacred cause, 
True to my king, my country, and its laws ; 
At length return'd to taste the sweets of peace, 
I fell, I died, and all my cares did cease. 
Grieve not, dear wife, thou partner of my youth, 
Pattern of love, fidelity, and truth ! 
Thy sighs suspend, thy flowing tears refrain, 
We part on earth, in heaven to meet again. 
No. 4. K 



V4 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 



In Potten Church-yard, Bedfordshire, England. 

Who through evil report and good report ; 

As a stranger, yet well known ; 

As a deceiver, yet true ; 
Found redemption in the blood of Christ. 



At the east end of the Church-yard in Barnes, Surry, near London, 
A MONUMENT 

WAS ERECTED TO THE MEMORY OP 

ANNE BAYJYARD, 

Obiit June 12, 1697, of which no traces are now to be found. The inscription is copied from 

Aubrey. 

Here lies that happy maiden, who often said 
That no man is happy until he is dead ; 
That the business of life is but playing the fool, 
Which hath no relation to saving the soul: 
For all the transaction that's under the sun 
Is doing of nothing — if that be not done, 
All wisdom and knowledge do lie in this one. 



in st. mary's church-yard, Southampton, England. 

As vernal blossoms spoil'd by storm, 
The infant droops its lovely form ; 
But parents, cease your sighs. 

'Tis only Jesus' tender hand 
Transports from this inclement land 
To bloom above the skies. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 75 

In Battersea Church, near London, 

There is a singular and ancient inscription to the memory of Sir EDWARD WYUTER, 
who lived at York-house, and whose exploits surpass even the heroic achievements of Lord 
Herbert of Cherbury, who, alone and in his shirt, chased a host of midnight robbers from his 
house. Sir Edward Wynter's monument is against the south wall; on the top of which is his 
bust, of a large size, with whiskers ; underneath the inscription is a bass-relief, represent- 
ing him in the act of performing the two exploits mentioned in bis epitaph. 

EDWARDI WYNTER 

D«cessit March 2, 1685, aged 64. 

Born to be great in fortune as in mind, 
Too great to be within an isle confin'd ; 
Young, helpless, friendless, seas unknown he tried, 
But English courage all those wants supplied. 

A pregnant wit, a painful diligence, 

Care to provide, and bounty to dispense ; 

Join'd to a soul sincere, plain, open, just, 

Procur'd him friends, and friends procur'd him trust. 

These were his fortune's rise, and thus began 
This hardy youth, rais'd to that happy man; 
A rare example, and unknown to most 
Where wealth is gain'd, and conscience is not lost. 

Nor less in martial honour was his name, 
Witness his actions of immortal fame: 
Alone unarm'd, a tyger he oppress'd, 
And crush'd to death the monster of a beast ; 

Twice twenty mounted Moors he overthrew 
Singly on foot, some wounded, some he slew ; 
Dispersed the rest, what more could Samson do? 
True to his friends, a terror to his foes, 
Here now in peace his honour'd bones repose. 



76 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 



In Temsford Church-yard, Bedfordshire, England. 

Christ in his garden doth oft repair 
To view the flowers he planted there j 
On this fair plant hath cast an eye, 
Hath it cropt off, and caus'd to die. 



MARGARET STEPHENSON, 

OF CHAPPLEBURN, NEAR BRAMPTON, CUMBERLAND, 
DIl£D IN 1756, AGED 112 YEARS. 

fene enjoyed all her senses perfect to the time of her decease, 
and walked to bed the night before her death. Her two sons, 
being together one hundred and seventy years of age, attend- 
ed her funeral. 



WILLIAM SHARPLY, 

OF KNOCKALL, COUNTY OF ROSCOMMON, IRELAND. 
DIED IN 1757, AGED 138 YEARS. 

Though at such great age, he was able to follow his profes- 
sion of lath-making until within six weeks of his death, and 
was remarkable till then for carrying a log of uncommon bulk 
to his place of work. He lived well and regular, but in no 
wise abstemiously. 



In St. PauVs Church-yard, Bedford, England. 

Let this vain world engage no more, 

Behold the gaping tomb! 
It bids us seize the present hour, 

To-morrow death will come. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 77 

In the Cathedral Church in the City of Wells, Somerset, 
SACRED 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

THOMAS SEJYLEY, Esq* 

WHO DIED NOV. 19, 1798, AGED 63 YEARS. 

In this bless'd pile, amid whose favouring gloom 

Fanny still loves to guard her votary's tomb ; 

Shall I withhold what all the virtuous claim — 

The sacred tribute of a Father's name ? 

And yet, bless'd Saint ! the skill alone was thine, 

To breathe with truth the tributary line ; 

The memory of departed worth to save, 

And snatch the fading laurel from the grave. 

And, oh! m}' sisters, peaceful be your rest, 

Once more reposing on a father's breast! 

You whom he lov'd, whose note was soft and clear 

Would sometimes wildly float upon his ear ; 

But the soft lyre he touch'd with mournful grace, 

And recollection's tear bedew'd his face. 

Yet most belov'd of every grateful care 

To sooth his hours, his ev'ry wish to share ; 

If the fond mother and the tender wife 

Could add fresh comfort to his eve of life ; 

If youth, if beauty, eloquence, could charm, 

Genius delight, of kind affection warm ; 

Yours was the pleasing task, from day to day, 

Whilst heaven approv'd, and virtue led the way. 

* Two of bis daughters were also interred in the same vault 



78 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 



In Peterborough Minster Church-yard, England. 

Reader, pass by, ne'er idly waste your time 
On bad biography and bitter rhyme ; 
For what I am, this cumb'rous clay insures ; 
And what I was, is no affair of yours. 



/ 



IN BATTERSEA CHURCH IS A MONUMENT TO THE MEMORY OF 

LORD AND LADY BOLINGBROKE. 

The inscription is on a black tablet, on each side of which are medallions, with profiles in 
bass-relief of Lord and Lady Bolingbroke, well executed in white marble. The inscription ae 
under. 

Here lies 
HENRY ST. JOHN, 

In the reign of Queen Anne, 

Secretary of war, Secretary of state, 

And Viscount Bolingbroke: 

In the days of 

King George the first and King George the second, 

Something more and better. 

His attachment to Queen Anne 

Exposed him to a long and severe persecution ; 

He bore it with firmness of mind : 

The enemy of no national party ; 

The friend of no faction ; 

Distinguished (under the cloud of a proscription, 

Which had not been entirely taken off) 

By zeal to maintain the liberty, 
And to restore the antient prosperity 

Of Great Britain. 

He died the 12th of December, 1750, 

Aged 73 years. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 79 

In the same vault 

Are interred the remains of 

MARY CLARA DES CHAMPS DE MARCELLY, 

Marchioness of Villette, and Viscountess Bolingbroke, 

Of a noble family, 

Bred in the court of Lewis 14th. 

She reflected a lustre on the former, 

By the superior accomplishments of her mind ; 

She was an ornament to the latter, 

By the amiable dignity end grace of her behaviour; 

She lived, 

The honour of her own sex, 

The delight and admiration of ours ; 

She died, 

An object of imitation to both, 

With all the firmness that reason, 

With all the resignation that religion 

Can inspire, 

Aged 74, the 18th of March. 

1750. 



In St. Mary's Church-yard, Bedford, England. 

Peace to thy shade! in realms of purest light 
To which thy soul has early wing'd its flight ; 
Free from the little hopes, the idle fears, 
Which still distract us in this vale of tears. 
Safe may thou rest, thy pilgrimage is o'er, 
By angels welcom'd to that blissful shore, 
Where choirs of saints their pealing anthems raise, 
Renew'd incessant through eternal days ; 
And where the just forget all sorrows past, 
Bedeck'd with glories, which forever last. 

\ 



80 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Westminster Abbey, London, in the north cloister, is an 
inscription 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

EPHRAIM CHAMBERS, F.R.S. 

Who was the author of the Dictionary of Arts and Sciences He died on the 15th May, 1760. 

Heard of by many, 

Known by few ; 

Who being neither celebrated nor 

Yet obscure, 

Neither very learned, nor yet ignorant, 

Passed a life devoted to study ; 

And passed it as a man 

Who was not inattentive to any of the 

Offices of humanity. 

Having ended his days and his labours 

Here rests reposed 

Beneath 

EPHRAIM CHAMBERS, F.R.S. 

Died 15th May, 1760. 



In Chard Church-yard, Somersetshire, England, 

My dearest friends they dwell above, 

Them will I go to see, 
And all my friends in Christ below 

Will soon come after me. 

Fear not the trump's forth-rending sound, 

Dread not the day of doom; 
For he that is to be thy Judge, 

Thy Saviour is become. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES 81 

In Doncaster Church-yard, Yorkshire, England. 

Tired with wand'ring through a world of sin, 

Hither we come to nature's common inn, 

To rest our wearied bodies for a night 

In hopes to rise, that Christ will give us light. 

This world's a city full of crooked streets, 

And death the market-place where all men meet; 

If life were merchandise that men could buy, 

The rich would live, and none but poor would die. 



In Town Maiding Church-yard, Kent, England. 
Bemoan'd by all, beneath this stone doth rest 
A quiet, modest, humble, harmless Priest ; 
With christian virtue all his precepts glow'd, 
Their constant practice his example shew'd ; 
What more he taught us well deserves a sigh— 
My tears will flow — he taught us how to die! 
Long o'er the tomb the poor distress'd shall mourn; 
Their friend, their help, their benefactor's gone! 
And wealth and titles, as they are passing by, 
Shall drop a tear, and heave a friendly sigh. 



In the Cathedral Church-yard, Hereford, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

BENJAMIN THOMAS, 

Wbo was much esteemed for his wit and humour. He often frequented the Swan Inn in that 
City, for the purpose, as he used to observe, " To Kill Time." 

Oft at the Swan has Ben kill'd Time, 
'Mongst sons of mirth a venial crime ; 
But strange — old Time revives ! what then? 
Time, in revenge', has now kill'd Ben ! 
L 



32 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Newbury Church-yard, Berkshire, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

BENJAMIN BROWN, 

Who was for 50 years a worthy member of tbe first Benefit Society in this town, held at 
the Jack of Newbury, aged 84 years. 

Here shall soft Charity repair, 

And break the iron bonds of grief; 

Down to the harrow'd couch of care, 
Man to man shall bring relief. 



In Fercham Church-yard, Hampshire, England. 

How vain is flattery on the grave 

Where earth and ashes lie! 
Here rests the learn'd, the great, the brave, 

The pompous poets cry. 

Here rests a sinful mortal's dust, 

I rather choose to say ; 
Who put in Christ alone his trust, 

And waits the Judgment day. 



In Bishop's Waliham Church-yard, Hampshire, England. 

From youth to age his lot has been 

To till the stubborn plain, 
To foster flocks, 'tend steeds and kine, 

And house the ripen'd grain. 

Advanc'd in years, the earth he till'd 

Receives its kindred dust ; 
In hopes, through Jesus Christ, to share 

The harvest of the jtist. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 83 

A WARNING TO SUNDAY PLEASURE TAKERS. 

In St. John's Church-yard, Devizes, in the County of Wilts, England, is an Obelisk Monument. 
about 16 feet high, with the following particulars : 

On the East, ** A cherubim, with two trumpets." On the 
North, " In memory of the unfortunate end of Robert Mer- 
ritt, and Susannah his wife ; Elizabeth Tiley, her sister ; 
Martha Carter; and Josiah Derham ; who were all drowned 
in the flower of their youth, in a pond near this town, called 
Drews, on Sunday evening, June 30, 1751, and are together 
underneath entombed." On the West, " Remember the Sab- 
bath day to keep it holy." On the South, " This monument, as 
an useful monitor to young people, to remember their Creator 
in the days of their youth, was erected by subscription." 

The above persons were in two beer-coolers nailed together, for gentlemen to angle in that 
pond, which overset- 



IN DEVIZES, WILTS, ENGLAND. 

The following authentic relation is to deter all persons from 

calling down the vengeance of God, or taking 

his holy name in vain. 

Thursday, Jan. 25, 1753. 

Ruth Peirce, of Potterne, agreed with three other wo- 
men to buy a sack of wheat ; one of the three collecting the 
money, and discovering some wanting, demanded it of Ruth 
Peirce, who said she had paid her share, and rashly wished 
she might drop down dead if she had not ; which she instant- 
ly did on repeating her wish, with the money concealed in her 
hand ; to the amazement and terror of a crowded market. 

This is the inscription on a monumental stone, erected in 
the market-place of Devizes, Wilts ; as witness my hand, this 
27th of December, 1760. Ralph Good, Mayor. 

N- B. About twenty years ago, when I visited this town, the old market with other improve- 
ments, had been removed, as also the obelisk or monument, which was then set up near th( 
door of the Angel Inn. 



84 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In the parish register of Battersea, are to be found these in- 
stances of longevity, $-c. 

" GOODY HAZLETON, aged 108 years, was buried 
October 29, 1703." 

"WILLIAM ABBOTS, aged 101 years, was buried 
January 5th, 1733." 

« Feb. 8th, was buried REBECCA, wife of RICHARD 
HARDING, who had 4 children at one birth ; three of whom 
were baptized ; but the fourth was still-born ; of which she 
died in labour. 



In St. Peter's Church-yard, Tunbridge, Kent, England, 

ON A WHITE MARBLE TOMB ERECTED TO THE MEMORY OF 

THE CELEBRATED ACTRESS 

A 

ANNE ELLIOT, 

A NATIVE OF THI6 PARISH, WHO DIED IN 1769, AGED 26 YEARS. 

Of matchless form, adorn'd with wit refin'd, 
A feeling heart, and an enlighten 'd mind ; 
Of softest manners, beauty's rarest bloom, 
Here Elliot lies, and moulders in her tomb. 
Oh! blest with genius early snatch'd away, 
The muse, that joyful mark'd thy op'ning ray 
Now sad reverse attends thy mournful bier, 
And o'er thy relicts sheds the gushing tear. 
Here fancy oft the hallow'd mould shall tread, 
Recall thee living, and lament thee dead ; 
Here friendship oft shall sigh till life is o'er, 
And death shall bid thy image charm no more. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 85 



In Stoke Dameral Church-yard, Devonshire, near Plymouth. 

TO THE 

MEMORY OF JAMES DAVIS, 



He was wounded in taking the LA LOIN Frigate, on the 18th of August, and died on the 
17th of December, 1798, aged 22 years. 

THIS STONE WAS ERECTED BY HIS BROTHER MESSMATES. 

In Albion's channel, as with foul defeat 

She scatter'd Gallia's rash invading fleet, 

When Britains bid her awful thunders roll, 

And shake the universe from pole to pole; 

Wafted by death, and borne on terror's wings, 

A ball terrific did the sentence bring. 

Though ling'ring long, at last he found this grave, 

Friends to their country will respect the brave. 

Haply the proud around this stone may tread 

To read inscriptions o'er the silent dead ; 

Don't scorn to drop upon a seaman's grave 

A patriot's tear, a tribute to the brave. 

The truly noble will thai worth approve, 

Which for its basis has its country's love ; 

A life well spent anticipates reward, 

Death's darts are pointless to the soul prepar'd ; 

Worth like to his will find a brighter clime, 

And rise superior to the wrongs of time. 



IN MAIDSTONE CHURCH-YARD, KENT, 

ENGLAND. 

The Grave has eloquence ; its lectures teach 
In silence louder than divines can preach : 
Hear what it says, ye sons of folly hear ! 
It speaks to you ; lend an attentive ear. 



80 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

FRANCIS ATKINS, 

AGED 104 YEARS. 

He was porter at the Palace-gate, in the city of Salisbury, 
from the time of Bishop Burnet, and died in 1761. It was 
his office every night to wind up the clock, which he was ca- 
pable of performing till within a year of his decease, though 
at the summit of the palace: in ascending the stairs, he usu- 
ally made a halt to say his prayers. He commonly enjoyed 
good health, by regular living and exercise ; walked well, 
and was remarkably upright to the last. 



ROBERT OGLEBIE, 

AGED 115 YEARS, 

OF RIPON, YORKSHIRE ; A TRAVELLING TINKER, RORN NOV. 
6, 1647, AS APPEARS BY THE REGISTER OF RIPON. 

He was married seventy-three years to one wife, and had 
twelve sons and thirteen daughters ; had all his senses perfect, 
and could see to work a short time before his death. His wife 
lived to be one hundred and six years old. 



IN ST. PETER'S CHURCH, CORNHILL, LONDON. 

Oft have I view'd this gloomy place 
Which claims the relicts of the human race ; 
And read on the sculptured stone, — 
" Here lies the body of" — but now my own, 
Dissolv'd to native dust, and as you see, 
Another here has done the same by me. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 87 



AN 



ELEGIAC TRIBUTE 



TO THE 



MEMORY OF THE LATE ILLUSTRIOUS 

REAR-ADMIRAL CUTHBERT LORD COLLINGWOOD. 

Ob. 7th March, 1810. 

" Non 8ibi 9 — sed Patria vixit !" 

Peace to the mem'ry of the valiant dead — 
A grateful Land embalms their sleeping fame, 

Entwines new chaplets round each honour'd head, 
And consecrates with tears each much-lov'd name. 

On dark Trafalgar's waves (to Britain dear,) 
Nelson resign'd life's latest falt'ring breath ; 

While Vict'ry grac'd her Hero's blood-stain'd bier, 
And wreath'd fresh laurels round the couch of Death. 

When his freed spirit sought its native skies, 
And soar'd on Glory's seraph-wings to Heav'n, 

His reckless zeal for Conquest's starry prize, 
By Fate's decree, to Collingwood was giv'n. 

Elisha shut, who wak'd a prophet's lyre, 

Faith's mantle caught from Virtue's bright abode, 

When blest Elijah, borne on clouds of fire, 
Rose 'midst the sacred flame to meet his God! 



88 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

Long Britain wept o'er dauntless Nelson's tomb, 
Her mighty champion on the stormy sea ; 

Again in tears her verdant laurels bloom, 

And Albion mourns, brave Collingwood, for thee. 

Like him, 'twas thine a deathless fame to give 
Where'er Britannia's red-cross banners fly ; 

Like him, 'twas thine to teach us how to live, 
And ah! too early, teach us how to die! 

Lamented Warrior! though no crimson'd wreath 
Of Vict'ry circles round thy clay-cold brow ! 

Belov'd in life! by England wept in death, 
Unfading happiness awaits thee now! 

O'er thy wan relics shall the cypress weep, 

While Glory's sun-beams gild the hallow'd tomb ; 

Where the pale Chieftain's sacred ashes sleep, 
And deathless laurels there immortal bloom. 

Trafalgar's rocks — St. Vincent's trophied shore, 
Shall shield thy mem'ry from Oblivion's rage ; 

Transmit thy fame, till Time shall be no more, 
On faithful History's recording page. 

Thy pious trust in Heav'n's supreme decrees 
Now meets reward in realms beyond the grave ; 

Thy glorious triumphs on the billowy seas 
Shall fix thy fame amongst the British brave. 

Snatch'd hence by Him who built this spacious earth, 
Whose arm, all-powerful, fram'd the vaulted sky — 

On those dear sea-girt shores that gave thee birth, 
The name of Collingwood shall never die! 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 



89 



To record the virtues of great and good men after their death, is not only paying a just 
tribute to their memories, but likewise doing honour to the age and country they lived in. 
Amongst those who have been real friends to mankind, the name of the late worthy Dr. 
Talbot will ever be ranked as one of the most eminent. Unfortunately for the world, through 
too great a diffidence of his own abilities, he preferred a private station to a more exalted 
one, which his Sovereign spontaneously offered him, with distinguished marks of esteem for 
his character. In fact, he declined all church preferment, but the perpetual curacy of Gui- 
ting, in Gloucestershire, in the parish of which he happened to live when it became vacant , 
and so far was he from appropriating one shilling of its scanty income to his own use, that 
he at one time laid out in improving its church no less than 13001. and soon after destroyed 
the written proofs of it, to prevent, as far as he could, its being known. A very elegant 
monument is erected to his memory, in Guiting church, by Mr. Scheemaker, with the fol- 
lowing inscription on it, which was written by a near relation of the Doctor, of the Temp|e, 
who was intimate with him for near threescore years ; and which barely does justice to 
his character 

SACRED TO THE MEMORY 
Of 

That truly great and pious Divine 

The Honourable and Reverend George Talbot, 

Doctor in Divinity, 

(Youngest son of Charles Lord Talbot, 

Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain,) 

Who finished his glorious course 

On the 19th of November, 1785, 

In the 71st year of his age. 

Stedfast, from his infancy, in the profession of the true faith, 

And constant in the practice of every virtue, 

He became in early life, and continued to his last hour 

A shining pattern of Christian excellence, 

And an ornament to human nature. 

Though blest with every endowment to discharge with dignity 

and lustre 

The duties of the highest office, 

His humility constrained him to the lowest in the ministry. 

Conscious of the good he did in the curacy, 

And dreading the responsibility of a more extensive trust, 

He refused a bishoprick ; 

M 



90 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

And for near thirty years, until disabled by infirmities, 

Taught in this church, 

With the purest zeal, and most persuasive eloquence, 

The saving truths of the Gospel; 

And converted many to righteousness. 

His charities were diffusive, but directed by wisdom ; 

His benevolence was unbounded, 

And his labours to promote peace, 

And the temporal as well as spiritual interests of all his fellow 

creatures, 

Ceased only with his last breath. 

He passed through life without an enemy, 

And with the affection and veneration of all who knew him. 

This fabric, 

Substantially repaired and beautified at his sole expense, 

And the hospital of this county, 

Which his liberality and exertions greatly contributed to found 

and establish, 

Will be lasting monuments of his piety and humanity ; 

But his good name will survive both. 



IN ELY MINSTER CHURCH-YARD, ISLE OF ELY, 

ENGLAND. 

Here I lie* without the door, 

The church was full, 'twould hold no more ; 

Here 1 lie, the less I pay ; 

But still I am as warm as they. 

* All bis relations were buried in the church. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 91 

ON A BURIAL VAULT BELONGING TO A FAMILY OF THE NAME 

OF 

ALEXANDER, 

IN THE CHURCH OF LODDON, IN NORFOLK, ENGLAND. 

When on this spot, affection's down-cast eye 

The lucid tribute shall no more bestow ; 
When friendship's breast no more shall heave a sigh 

In kind remembrance of the dust below ; 
Should the rude sexton, digging near this tomb 

A place of rest for others to prepare, 
The vault beneath to violate presume — 

May some opposing Christian cry " Forbear, 
" Forbear, rash mortal ! as thou hop'st to rest, 

" When death shall lodge thee in thy destin'd bed, 
" With ruthless spade, unkindly to molest 

" The peaceful slumbers of the kindred dead." 



In the Cathedral Church of Winchester, England, 

In the cloisters of Winchester College is the following' old Monkish epitaph to the memory ot 
JOHN CLARK, one of the Fellows, who died in 1541. 

Clausus Johannes jacet hie sub marmore Clarkus, 
Qui fuit hie quondam Presbyter et Socius: 

In terra roseos solitus stillare liquores, 
In coelo vivis nunc quoque gaudet aquis. 

This has been thus translated by Mr. Warton. 

Beneath this stone lies shut up in the dark, 
A Fellow and a Priest, yclep'd John Clark; 
With earthly rose-water he did delight ye, 
But now he deals in heavenly aqua vitse. 



92 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

TO THE MEMORY OF A LADY, 

Who fell a victim to an internal cancer ; and died at Islington, 
near London, January 21. 1808, aged 49 years, leaving an 
only daughter to lament her irreparable loss. 

Long near her couch the Tyrant took his stand, 
And menac'd oft — and oft withheld his hand ; 
Long keen disease, and sharp corroding pain, 
Pursu'd the ebbing life, from vein to vein ; 
But pain ne'er shook her, terror ne'er alarm'd, 
By faith supported, and by virtue arm'd; 
In hope's strong comfort she resign'd her breath, 
And gain'd the promis'd victory over Death. 
How oft with rapture has thy Sarah hung 
On the sweet tones of thy mellifluent tongue! 
But, ah! such raptures she no more must know, 
Till heav'n recall her from this scene of woe : 
Then — O blest hope! made perfect, may she join 
Thee 'mongst the just, immortal and divine! 
Mother! for ever lov'd! for ever dear! 
Accept the tribute of a filial tear 
From her, who thus a monument would raise 
To commem'rate thy virtues, name, and praise. 



In St. JVicholas Church-yard, Colchester, Essex, England. 
Bless'd be the sacred relics of the dead, 
And hallow'd thine, O much-lamented shade! 
May angels round thy breathless corpse attend, 
From impious touch thy dear remains defend ; 
Whilst thy pure soul on seraph's wings shall fly 
Beyond the regions of the boundless sky ; 
Loos'd from the bands of this surrounding clay, 
And soar to realms of everlasting day. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 93 

In Rochester Cathedral Churchy Kent, England. 
TO THE MEMORY OF ROBERT WEST, 

Who was barbarously murdered icithin the gaol of this city, tht 
7th day of February, 1749, aged 42 years. 

By cruel fate my precious blood was shed, 
Without offence I innocently bled ; 
No time to implore my sins might be forgiv'n, 
No time to breathe one piteous prayer to heav'n : 
Peace then, my soul, it was by heaven's decree ; 
My Saviour died — my Saviour bled for me ! 



In the Church-yard of Kingston, Hampshire, England. 
TO THE MEMORY OF THOMAS WATERMAN, 

WHO WAS DROWNED 29th FEBRUARY, 1804. 

The raging and the stormy seas 
Concluded all his mortal days ; 
But on the crystal seas above 
He lives to sing redeeming love. 



In Witchchurch Church-yard, Hampshire, Englana. 
TO THE MEMORY OF JOHN HAIME, 

AN AGED SOLDIER. 

Soldier! the good fight thou hast fought, 
Well hast thou run thy appointed race, 

Hast kept the faith in Him who bought 
Thy soul — and armM it with his grace : 

Thy warfare's past, thy mourning's o'er, 

In Paradise thou weep'st no more. 



94 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

IN ST. MARY'S CHURCH, LEICESTER, 

ENGLAND, 

Js a Latin monumental inscription, translated into English by Mr* 
Bickerstaff. 

Beneath doth lie 
Of Henry Gelbert Cooper, 
The prettiest, dearest, sweetest babe, 
That ever dropt into the grave ; 
This lovely boy, 
His dad's first joy, 
Was son <of 'Squire John 
And Sue his wife, 
Who led their life 
In town call'd Thurgarton. 
Descended from an antient line, 
This charming child began to shine 

The twenty-fifth of July; 
And that was all that he could boast, 
For suddenly his life was lost 
The twenty-sixth good truly. 
This floweret pretty, 
Though young, yet witty, 
Just op'ning from the bud, 
A blighting blast from angry Fate, 
Who knew not how to spare the great, 

Nipt up his vital blood. 
The sorrowing Father sigh'd, and said, 
Alas ! my only child is dead ! 
Though vain a monument I'll raise 

His memory to adore, 
To shew my love, and sound his praise, 
Till time shall be no more. 
July 26, A. D. 1639. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 95 

IN ST. PETER'S CHURCH-YARD, BEDFORD, 

ENGLAND. 

Early remov'd from bleak misfortune's power, 
Secure from storms here rests a tender flower: 
Short though its bloom, the op'ning bud began 
To promise fair when ripen'd into man. 
Sleep on, sweet babe! high heaven's all-gracious king 
Hath to eternal summer chang'd thy spring. 



IN DONCASTER CHURCH-YARD, YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND. 

TO THE MEMORY OF ESTHER GANAY, 

WHO DIED AUG. 11th, 1776, AGED 18 YEARS. 

Beneath this stone there lies a helpless maid, 
By sorrows nipt in early woman's prime ; 

Fam'd upon earth for unavailing truth, 

Love was at once her punishment and crime. 

But should the man, for whom in vain she sigh'd, 
By chance to stop a few short moments here, 

He'll know the reason why the maiden died, 
And bless her ashes with a sigh and tear. 

Let him not stop the tributary woe 

In pearly drops that gushes from his eyes, 

Of far more worth than hearts when e'er they flow 
Of fate like her's, who here lamented lies. 

No more her faults nor merits can appear, 
Then let us hope her frailties are fotgiv'n ; 

That all her punishments exhausted here, 
And all her virtues find reward in heav'n. 



96 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Harlton Church, Cambridgeshire, is the following singular 
inscription : 

TO THE MEMORY OF THE FAMOUS 

DR. THOMAS FRYER, 

Incloister'd in these piles of stone 

The relic of this Fryer rest, 
Whose better part to heaven is gone, 
The poor man's bowels were his chest ; 
And amongst these three, Grave — Heaven — Poor, 
He shar'd his Corpse — his Soul — his Store. 



In Rockwaredine Church-yard, Shropshire, England. 
Adieu! the rose is red the lily's white, 
Adieu those eyes that made the darkness light ! 
No more, alas! the coral lips are seen, 
No longer breathe the fragrant gales between ! 
On beauty's frailties no more depend, 
Here youth and pleasure, age and sorrow end. 



IN BENSINGTON CHURCH, NEAR OXFORD, ENGLAND. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

THOMAS GRANTHAM, 

BUILDER, 

Of War dour-street, Soho, London, an industrious, careful father, 
who died in 1781, aged 72. 

I am tired of life; and, would the Fates recall 

My former years, and spread the bloom of youth 

Gay o'er these cheeks, where Age has plough'd it furrows, 

I'd throw them back their favours, and refuse 

Again to trudge beneath the load of life, 

And beat the circle of perpetual woe. < 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 97 

TO THE MEMORY OF THAT EMINENT PHILANTHROPIST, 

Mr. JONAS HANWAY. 

The following inscription was found on the removal of his 
effects from his dwelling-house in Red Lion-square, London, 
on a large copper-plate, 3 feet 8 inches by 2 feet 7 inches, in 
a gilt frame, and on a strip of paper was written, " To be 

delivered to =— , one of my executors, if he think it worth 

his acceptance." His executor not only thought it worthy of 
his acceptance, but a place in the room in which he generally 
lives ; and very few days pass over his head wherein he does 
not look at it with a particular application of his mind to the 
character of his friend, who has caused himself to be repre- 
sented under the three following descriptions : 

1. An Infant weeping ; 

2. A Youth shipwrecked; 

3. An old man dead on his pillow. 

Each of these pictures has a surrounding inscription. The 
first: 

" Man is born to sorrow, as the sparks fly upward." 
The second : 

" On my fleeting hours depend eternity." 

On the youth is an hour-glass ; and, at his feet, a scroll ; 
on which is inscribed the family motto, " Never despair. 39 
The third inscription is : 

" Dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return. 31 

The figure round which this last sentiment is inscribed is 
so exact a representation of the original, when the soul had 
taken its flight from the body, that it is impossible to behold 
it without being sensibly affected at the sight. 

The following monumental inscription is included in a 
space bounded on each side by a burning taper nearly extin- 
guished. It is not presented to the reader as a specimen of 
superior merit respecting its composition, but as the genuine 

No. 5. N 



98 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

effusion of that heart, out of the abundance of which not only 
his mouth spake, but which also gave energy to a life most 
honourable to himself, most consolatory to the afflicted, and 
most beneficial to his country : 

" I believe that my Redeemer liveth, 

And that I also shall rise again from the grave. 

JONAS HANWAY, Esq. 

who, trusting in that good Providence 

which so visibly governs the world, 

passed through variety of fortunes in patience. 

Living the greatest part of his days in foreign lands, 

ruled by arbitrary power, 

lie received the deeper impression of the happy Constitution 

of his own country ; 

whilst the persuasive laws contained in the New Testament, 

and the consciousness of his own depravity, 

softened his heart to a sense of the various wants of his 

fellow-creatures. 

Reader, 

inquire no farther. 

The Lord have mercy on his soul and thine! 

Apprehensive of the too partial regard of his nearest friends, 

and esteeming plain truth above the proudest trophies 

of monumental flattery, 

at the age of 51 he caused this plate and inscription^ 

to be made." 

Having had occasion to mention Mr. Hanway's motto, 
" Never despair," I am tempted to trouble you with a cir- 
cumstance which happened. A young adventurer, who came 
to London, like many others, to seek for advancement in life 
by the exertion of those abilities, for which sufficient scope 
was not found in a distant part of the kingdom, had been some 
time labouring against the stream ; and, though possessed of 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 99 

very considerable abilities, met not with that encouragement 
which he had reason to hope for. 

He was reduced to his last guinea, and had determined to 
employ it in conveying him back to his own native county ; 
when, passing by the Royal Exchange, he saw this good man's 
carriage standing there, on which he read " Never despair." 
He considered the admonition as addressed to himself; he 
laid aside his purpose for the moment ; his affairs took a sud- 
den favourable turn ; he by degrees got himself established in 
a lucrative employment ; and is since dead, possessed of an 
ample fortune, the acquisition of which he always imputed, 
under the divine blessing, to this incidental circumstance. 



LADY KATHARINE COURTEN, 

DIED AT BLICKLIN, COUNTY OF NORFOLK, ENGLAND 

MARCH 25, 1652, 

And was there buried with this inscription : 

Here lies one nobly born, once blest 
With all the riches of the East ; 
Then stript of all, and in the place 
Receiv'd of God riches of grace : 
These made her covetous to see 
The mine whence came this treasury: 
Her soul for haste there to appear 
Clogg'd with the body, dropt it here, 
Engaging to it, on the morn 
Of th' Resurrection to return, 
And reassume its union. 
Reader, weigh this, and then pass on. 



100 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 



In St. Mary's Church-yard, Reading, Berkshire, England. 

Farewell, dear youth; farewell till we above 
Meet in the peaceful realms of light and love. 
Grain hid in earth repays the peasant's care, 
And evening suns but set to rise more fair. 



IN BENSINGTON CHURCH, NEAR OXFORD, 

ENGLAND, 

Under the singing-gallery, against the north-west pillar, is thefol" 
hieing singular inscription : 

M.S. 

TO THE PIOUS MEMORY OF 

RALPH QUILCHE and JANE his wife, 



who slep 
now slepe 



:} 



together in 



bed by the space of 40 years, 
grave till Christ shall awaken them. 



For the 
fruit of their 



labours 



bodies 



> they left 



He ) fell asleep C 1629 ( being ( 60 
she J An'o D'ni { 1610 { aged ( 59 

f the new 

| inn here, 

<{ built at 

their own 

charge, 

one only 

son and 

two 
daughters. 

Their son being liberally bred 

in the University of Oxford, 

thought himself bound to erect this 

small [ ~) 

monu- J **** ' 
ment ] 
of I J 

AN D'NI 16 



heir I . . , ( God, 

his f piety toward | them 



SEPULGHRAL, CURIOSITIES. 101 

AN 

INSCRIPTION 

PROPOSED FOR 

GENERAL WOLFE'S MONUMENT. 

Be this Inscription 

Sacred to the Memory of General Wolfe, 

Who. 

After leading an Army o'er impervious Mountains, 

Through Ways deemed impracticable, 

And overcoming the greatest Obstacles, 

Engaged his Country's Foes 

With Force inferior, 

And, regardless of Wounds, 

Persisted in the Duties of a General, 

Encouraging his Troops, 

Till his gallant Soldiers 

Hailed him Victor; 

When, with Joy, he cried, 

'Tis enough, I come! I come! 

At which last Act, 

Applauding Angels, 

And the surrounding Spirits of Heroes, 

Convey'd his god-like Soul 

To the Regions of Immortal Bliss. 

Thus fell, 

By Heaven's Command, 

The best of Men, 

The great, the good, the generous, and the brave, 

GENERAL WOLFE; 

Without repining 
At the Race of Glory. 



102 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

Appointed by Lord Chatham, 

Who under an auspicious Providence, 

Elevated the British Empire 

From the lowest Contempt, 

And most disgraceful Condition, 

To the highest Pitch of Glory. 

Having exalted this kingdom 

To the dominion 

Of immeasurable empire, 

Panting for a life of immortal glory, 

Covered with wounds, 

He closed his days 

In the arms of victory, 

Before Quebec, 

The 18th September, 1759. 



READER, WHOEVER THOU ART, CONSIDER, 

" That honourable age is not that which standeth in length of 
"time, nor that is measured by number of years: But Wis- 
" dom is the grey hairs unto Man, and an unspotted life is his 
" old age. He pleased God, and was beloved of him, so that 
" living amongst sinners he was translated. He being made 
il perfect, in a short time fulfilled a long time: For his soul 
" pleased the Lord, therefore hasted he to take him away from 
" among the wicked, lest he should be corrupted. For his grace 
" and mercy is with his Saints, and he hath respect unto his 
" chosen. Thus the Righteous that is dead shall condemn the 
" Ungodly which are living ; and Youth, that is soon perfect- 
" ed, the many years and old age of the Unrighteous." 

Wisdom, chap. iv. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 103 

In St. Aldate's Church-yard, Oxford, England. 

Enough, cold stone! 
Suffice their long-lov'd names, 

Words are too weak 
To pay their duty's claim ; 

Temples and tombs 
And tongues shall waste away, 

And power's vain pomp 
In mould'ring dust decay ; 

But ere mankind 
A pair more perfect see, 

Eternity, O Time ! 
Shall bury thee. 



TO THE MEMORY OF 

MRS. FRANCES TEMPLE, 

WIFE OF COL. TEMPLE. 

Stranger, approach! beneath this mound of earth 

Sleep the pale relics of departed worth ; 

A form that once the purest soul enshrin'd, 

The loveliest Temple of a lovely mind ; 

Unstain'd by sin, undimm'd by mortal fear, 

Clos'd is the chapter of her brief career. 

Hist ! Hist ! a voice my drooping spirit hears ; 

" Restrain," it cries, " restrain thy fruitless tears j 

She, whom thou weepest with a daughter's love, 

Soars a proud Seraph in the realms above ; 

In brightness clothed, untouch'd by Sorrow's rod, 

Mourner ! thy Mother dwells before the throne of God." 



104 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In the Church-yard of Lee, County of Kent , England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

WILLIAM PARSONS, Esq. 

DIED, FEB. 3, 1795, AGED 59. 

Here Parsons lies ! — Oft on life's busy stage 
With Nature, Reader, hast thou seen him vie ; 

He Science knew — knew Manners — knew the Age ; 
Respected knew to live — lamented die. 



TO THE MEMORY OF 

F. STEWARD, Esq. 

WEYMOUTH, COUNTY OF DORSET, ENGLAND. 

Deep rooted in the soil of human woe, 

Though round his tomb no blood-stain'd laurels grow 

Though he, who here enjoys a sweet repose, 

Ne'er sought that fame which pride to flatt'ry owes, 

Nor, ostentatious, rear'd the pile sublime, 

To bid defiance to the scythe of Time ; 

Whose sculptur'd tablets, for remotest days, 

Record his benefactions, with his praise ; 

Yet, if the private virtues still are dear, 

Unbounded charity, and truth sincere, 

The heart to genuine sympathy inclin'd, 

The ardent wish to benefit mankind, 

The gen'rous deed that shuns the public eye, 

The breast that heaves for others' woes the sigh ; 

Whoe'er thou art, that tread'st this sacred sod, 

Drop the warm tear, and bow, submiss, to God! 

Whose wond'rous hand, that rules with mystic sway, 

In mercy gives, in wisdom takes away. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 105 

TO THE MEMORY OF THE 

REV. WILLIAM MATTHEWS, 

Who died June 20, 1795, aged 26. 
BY THE REV. W. P. FELLOW, OF NEW COLLEGE, OXFORD. 

When (as in future time he passes by 

To read each moral with enquiring eye) 

The rural traveller perchance shall come, 

And rest awhile to view this hallow'd tomb ; 

If e'er to him that sympathy was known 

Which forms two souls alike, and makes them one ; 

If e'er affection taught his heart to melt, 

And gen'rous friendship in his bosom dwelt; 

Here may he pause o'er thy untimely fate, 

O thou most friendly — most affectionate! 

Whom, though thy ev'ry virtue could not save, 

Nor truth, nor goodness, rescue from the grave ; 

Yet the fresh tear of memory shall flow 

From all who knew thy value here below ; 

And, while thy loss we mourn with genuine grief, 

Hark ! a sweet voice, that whispers kind relief: 

" Thou in the paths of piety hast trode, 

" Come, Spirit, to the bosom of thy God." 



A SINGULAR INTERMENT. 

July 16, 17681 
A woman was buried this evening in St. George's, Han- 
over-square, London, who had been dead 19 years; a near 
relation having left an annuity of £25 a year to be paid as 
long as she should remain upon earth. In consequence of this 
legacy, her surviving husband hired a little room over a sta- 
ble in South Audley-street, where she was kept in a decent 
coffin till his death. 

O 



106 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

IN THE CHURCH-YARD OF PRITTLEWELL, ESSi^X, 
ENGLAND. 

On an antient brick tomb, with a marble ledger, is the following inscription and epitaph, but 
some part so much defaced I could scarcely read it. 

" Here lieth the bodys of Mrs. Anna and Dorothy Free- 
borne, wives of Mr. Samuel Freeborne, who departed this life 
on 31 Jvly, anno 1641, the othar Avgvst the 20, 1658; one 
aged 33 years, the other 44. 

; « Vnder one stone two precious jems do lly, 
Equal! in worth, weight, lustre, sanctity ; 
If yet, perhaps, one of them might excell, 
Which was't . ? who knows, ask him that knew them well 
By long enjoyment: if he thus be press'd, 
Hee'll pause, then answer truly, " both were best. 
Wert In my choice that either of the twayne 
Might be return'd to mee t' enjoy againe 
Which should I chuse ? well, since I know not whether, 
I'll mourn for t' loss, but wish for neither. 
Yet, here's my comfort, herein lyes my hope, 
The time*s a comeinge cabinets shall ope 
Which are lock'd fast ; then, then shall I see 
My Jewells to my joy, my Jewells mee." 



Died, in Dec. 1796, THOMAS MOODY, the well known 
whipper-in for 30 years to the fox-hounds of G. Forester, Esq. 
He was carried to his grave by a number of old earth-stop- 
pers, and attended by many other sporting friends, who hear- 
tily mourned for him. Directly after the corpse followed his 
old favourite horse (which he used always to call his Old 
Soul) carrying his last fox's brush in front of his bridle, with 
his cap, whip, boots, spurs, and girdle, across his saddle. The 
ceremony being over, he (by his own desire) had three clear 
rattling view-halloos given him over the grave. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 107 

In Warblington Church, County of Hants, England. 
TO THE MEMORY OF DR. JOHNSON. 

Johnson, farewell! by heaven's high will design'd 
To mend the heart, and humanize the mind ; 
Whose moral page all servile acts disown, 
Nor fears the courtier's or the critic's frown. 

Farewell, blest shade! to such great merits true, 
Angelic forms thy grave with laurels strew; 
Fair science there her constant virgils keep, 
And o'er her much-lov'd son in silence weep. 



IN WISBICH CHURCH-YARD, ENGLAND. 

Has death inwrapt thee in this cloud of night, 

Whilst youth, hope, pleasure, gleam'd their cheerful ray? 

So fades Aurora's ineffectual light 

When the pale morning blushes into day. 

See, by his dying form, mild patience stand, 
Composing agony, with healing wing ! 
Hope, ease, and comfort, wait on her command, 
And o'er the mournful bed sweet requiems sing. 

Care, pain, and death, terrific gloom no more, 
But seem to pave a golden way to heav'n : 
The race, to reach the distant goal, is o'er, 
The toil is ended, and the price is given. 

And whilst on yonder star-pav'd plain you rove, 
And, pitying, view us active forms of clay ; 
Accept this last sad tribute of our love, 
The best the Brother, or the Friend can pay. 



108 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

IN BROXBOURN CHURCH-YARD, HERTS, ENGLAND. 

BY A HUSBAND ON HIS TWO WIVES. 

Death ! Oh Death ! what hast thou done ? 
Dost thou not care 

To make a breach, which ages can't repair ? 
A breach indeed, for who did ever hear 
Of two who liv'd in love more with their husband dear? 
But oh, alas, they're fallen ! — yet God did so dispose 
They must return from whence they first arose: 
The stars above us thus their courses run, 
Returning back from whence they first begun. 
But, did I say they're fall'n ? nay, but stay me there; 
They're but translated to an higher sphere. 



ON THE 

MUCH LAMENTED DEATH OF A FATHER. 

By his very mournful and only daughter, in the seventeenth 
year of her age. ^ 

Begone, vain Muse, thy fruitless plaints give o'er, 
Will thy weak lays the clouds of grief dispel? 

Will thy weak lays a long-lost friend restore? 
Ah! No, thou say'st, but I can bid farewell. 

Farewell, dear Shade ! but ah ! thou dost not hear ; 

No various passions in thy bosom burn ; 
Nor love, nor hope, anxiety, nor fear, 

Can bid one spark of genial life return. 

Ah! cruel Fate! to stop thy gentle breath, 

More cruel Fate, mine longer to suspend ; 
To what new clime, e'en to the clime of death, 

Would not thy daughter's willing soul attend? 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 109 

Fled to thy tomb is ev'ry hope and joy, 

Youth's golden dreams are vanish'd into air, 

The clouds of winter life's young spring annoy, 
Nor summer's face, nor autumn's look more fair. 

But vain are tears, and vain each mournful sigh, 
Nor sighs nor tears thy Parent's life will save ; 

But yet these tears at least will rain supply, 
And keep the turf from with'ring on his grave. 

If Reason lend a philosophic hour, 

And clothe pale Grief in calm Religion's vest, 

Young Gratitude starts up, denies her pow'r, 
And holds my Father's Image to my breast. 

My Father, Friend, ah! names for ever dear! 

For ever lov'd while memory remains ; 
Mem'ry, that traces ev'ry hope and fear, 

That knows my far-fled joys, and views my present pains. 

Give o'er, vain Muse, thy fruitless plaints give o'er, 
Ne'er can thy lays the clouds of grief dispel, 

Ne'er can thy lays a long-lost friend restore, 
Too true thou say'st, then must I bid farewell. 



A SINGULAR FUNERAL. 
Mrs. MARGARET GODOLPHIN, aged 90, at Aberta- 
not, in Shropshire ; she was the eldest and last surviving 
daughter of Colonel Sidney Godolphin, by Susannah his wife; 
she has left her fortune to her nephew, Lord Godolphin, and 
to his sister, Mrs. Owen, of Parkinton. Her funeral was, ac- 
cording to her desire, attended by as many old women (dres- 
sed in white flannel gowns) as she was years of age ; and fol- 
lowed by her tenants to Llangblodwell church, where she was 
interred. She died October, 1766. 



110 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

SAMUEL KILLET, Esq. 

COLLECTOR OP HIS MAJESTY'S CUSTOMS AT EXETER, IN DEVON, EN6. 
Died in the year 1766. 

Mortal ! who e'er thou art, that passest by, 

And on this tomb shalt chance to cast an eye, 

O stop and read ! — " There rests beneath this stone 

A man as worthy as this world has known! 

Belov'd by all who on him did depend, 

The kindest husband, — father, — master, — friend ; 

Humane to all, while to his country just, 

True to his king, and faithful to his trust : 

Nor did he e'er his legal power abuse 

By vile extortion, or by sordid views ; 

But tho' at the receipt of custom plac'd, 

Clear was his fame — by no mean act disgrac'd." 



In Tiverton Church, Devonshire, England. 

TO THE 

MEMORY OF MR. JOHN LANE, 

MERCHANT, 

And ELIZABETH his Wife, 

Who died three days after him. They were both interred on one 

day in the same grave. A monument is erected 9 

with the following inscription : 

The turtle dove can't long survive the fate 
Of sad divorcement of her dearest mate : 
So he first died ; she stay'd awhile, and try'd 
To live without him — lik'd it not, and died. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. Ill 



In Sherborn Church-yard, Dorsetshire, England, 

Short as my infant life did last, 

It much resembles thine ; 
Thy longer date, when once 'tis past, 

Will seem as short as mine. 



f In Kingston Church-yard, near Portsmouth, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF A STONEMASON, 

Who had sculptured and set up many of the stones in this 
Church-yard. 

Reader! attentive view this solemn ground, 
Death hath, at every age, a victim found ; 
Oft hath the hand, which now Jias lost its art, 
Engrav'd the feelings of the tender heart ; 
Oh! may he sing, in never-ending lays, 
With Saints and Angels, God's eternal praise. 



Died, Dec. 1796, at the Scar, near Bromyard, Hereford- 
shire, aged 102, Jeremiah Atkins. He was a soldier at the ta- 
king of the Havanna and Martinicd, and very near being 
scalped by the Indians, from whom he was rescued at the mo- 
ment of the operation. He was likewise at the taking of Crown 
Point in America, and in the battle of Fontenoy with the Duke 
of Cumberland, and fought against the rebels in Scotland. 
He was at the taking of Quebec, when General Wolfe was 
killed, and afterwards at the battle of Tournay in Flanders. 
This extraordinary man retained all his faculties but that of 
hearing to the period of his death. 



112 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In St. Margaret's Church-yard, Rochester, Kent, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

WILLIAM FARFAR, 

A MARINER. 

Here Farfar rests, a blunt but honest tar, 

Whose hour-glass out has left this transient scene ; 
Whose bark through life's rough sea, in peace or war, 

A happy, placid temper steer'd serene. 
Of manly person, of affection kind, 

A foe to slander, and to friendship true : 
May heaven his canvass spread before the wind, 

Celestial joys presenting to his view. 
His social mind e'en village children knew, 

His worth should fortitude to friendship lend ; 
His virtues many, and his faults but few, 

While seen as parent, neighbour, guide, or friend. 
Such friend may weep, and filial duty grieve, 

What can it meet through life's contracted span? 
Friendship but buds, hope blossoms to deceive, 

Alike the sage, the hero, and the man. 



In Hamstead Church-yard, Middlesex, England. 

ON TWO BROTHERS. 

Rest undisturb'd, ye much-lamented pair, 

The smiling infant, and the rising heir ; 

Ah! what avails it that the blossoms shoot 

In early promise of maturer fruit, 

If death's chill hand shall nip the infant bloom 

And wither all their honours in the tomb! 

Yet, weep not — in life's allotted share 

Swift fled their youth — they knew not age's care. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 113 

In St. Neotfs Church-yard, Huntingdonshire, England. 

Here rests a youth, his day of sufferings past, 
Now safe from sorrow's shaft and envy's blast ; 
Breathes not his tomb his sadly pensive strain, 
How vain is youth, and all its hopes are vain ! 
Bright was the scene that fond affection drew, 
And distant years smil'd lovely on the view. 
Alas! now vanish'd they, whose guardian care 
Watch'd o'er his life, a parent's sorrow share ; 
Cherish'd his memory with love sincere^ 
And oft embalm'd it with a pensive tear. 



In Holywell Church-yard, Oxford, England. 

Say, could not e'en a parent's tear 
Avert, O death ! thy fatal spear, 

And save him from the tomb? 
Must every tender bosom sigh, 
Must kind affection sorrowing lie 

And mourn his early doom? 
'Twas mercy died, for so much worth 
Was destin'd ne'er to bloom on earth, 

Assail'd by sin and pain ; 
It sought with native zeal to shine 
Where purest bliss and love divine 

Extend their glorious reign. 



In St. Abb's Church-yard, Oxford, England. 
Cropt in the bud, secure from future ill, 
How great the loss! 'twas God Almighty's will! 
Shall I repine to lose what God has giv'n? 
No, I'll resign with joy my child to Heav'n. 
P 



114 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES, 



In Harwich Church-yard, Essex, England* 

Within this tomb, by death overcome, 

A tender parent rest ; 
With love sincere, his children dear 

He frequently caress'd. 

A master's part, with generous heart, 

It's known he acted well ; 
May those he's left, of him bereft. 

His virtuous ways excel. 



A MOST SINGULAR AND AWFUL OCCURRENCE. 

Died, in Sept. 1 795, at Kirkby-Malzard, county of York, 
England, Master Francis Gale, the second son of Henry 
Gale, Esq. of Scruton, near Northallerton, , in the county of 
York, aged 10 years ; and on the 23d inst. at Chelsea, county 
of Middlesex, Master Henry Gale, eldest son of the said 
Henry G. Esq. aged 14 years. What renders this two-fold ca- 
tastrophe more awfully striking is, that on Monday morning 
the 14th, both these young gentlemen were in a state of per- 
fect health ; that, at the wide distance of above 200 miles from 
each other, without any interview or communication for near 
three months preceding, both of them were, on the Tuesday, 
affected with a similar numbness in their limbs, followed by 
fever, delirium, and a continual series of convulsions ; which 
neither the skill of medicine, nor the utmost efforts of friendly 
assiduity, could subdue. — To vicious, gay, and thoughtless 
minds all this may be of no avail ; they will not endure the 
pain to think, nor incline to relish reflection, until personal 
evils force it upon them by personal sensation : but to the se- 
rious, the contemplative, and sympathetic heart, such visita- 
tions from Heaven as these, upon two very amiable youths, 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 115 

the only sons of the family, upon their tender parents, and 
upon the native feelings of common humanity, must surely 
stamp that almost indelible impression, which, as language 
cannot paint, nothing but religious fortitude, upon true Chris- 
tian principles, can soften or remove. Happy for survivors, if 
on the perusal of this narrative, they can usefully echo to their 
own breasts the sentiment of our pathetic Bard, and say, 
" For us they sicken'd, and for us they died !" 



Died, on the 15th August, 1795, after a lingering endu- 
rance of gloomy imprisonment in the Fleet prison, London, 
Dr. King, late of Wandsworth ; in whom a sweet amiability 
of temper, calm serenity of mind, and an exemplary patience 
to an afflicting destiny, were virtues eminently united. He 
lived and died in cordial harmony with all his fellow sufferers, 
through whom sincere respect dispersed the emotions of ten- 
derest sensibility when his remains were taken from the pri- 
son to the grave. 

In silent earth his miseries repose, 

And fiends no more triumphant mock despair ; 
From us to Heaven's high chancery he goes, 

Where Virtue meets him with her tenderest care. 
Think not, grim Malice, thou hast won the day ; 

Auspicious Fate protects him from thy dart j 
O'er his remains she spreads a glorious ray, 

And leaves thy conscience to its poignant smart. 
Say, meagre Spite, what aim'd thy deadly hate? 

Dost thou rejoice in mortals' swift decline? 
What reapest thou by his untimely fate, 

When Mercy cries, Ah! shame is ever thine? 
While Goodness on the tomb inscribes his worth, 

This doleful lesson, cruel plaintiffs, learn : 
A wife now grieves her dearest loss on earth, 
Through you a victim to the lonely urn. 



116 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

MISS CATHARINE JERVOISE, 

OF SHALSTONE, BUCKS J 

Who died June 28, 1795, in the fifteenth year of her age. 

Adieu, sweet maid! thus early snatch'd away 

From all that life with hopeful youth could give ; 

Kind Heaven itself denied a longer stay 

Than just to shew in you how we might live. 

Though young, thy age in Reason's scale mature 
Arriv'd to where but few can farther rise, 

And yet remain'd in conscious virtue pure, 
Without a taint of folly or of vice. 

All that with safety this frail world can grant 
You tasted in domestic peace and love ; 

What man on earth could such an angel want? 
What surer pledge of happiness above? 



Died, in 1812, at Lemburg, Prussia, aged 116, John Urs- 
sulak, a silk-weaver. He had six wives ; and by the last who 
survives him, had a son twelve months ago. He was extreme- 
ly healthy and active, and walked 6 miles the day before his 
death. 

At Berlin, M. Villart, merchant. After being ill a few days, 
he died on the 9th of Feb. 1812. On the third day after, whilst 
his friends were assembled to perform the funeral rites, on ta- 
king a last look, they perceived the linen at his feet agitated, 
and in a few minutes symptoms of returning life. In about 
half an hour M. V. opened his eyes, recognized those about 
him, but complained of excessive drought and weakness. For 
some days he remained in a doubtful state, and at length ex- 
pired. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 117 

In Gosport Chapel Burying-ground, Hampshire, England. 

The life of man can little more supply 

Than just to look about him and to die : 

Let us not then this transient state deplore, 

But wait grand teacher Death — and God adore : 

For what's this world f the meanest have their day, 

The greatest can but blaze, and pass away : 

Fame, Honour, Wealth, from no condition rise, 

In acting well — there honour wholly lies ; 

How vain to think God hates the worthy mind, 

The lover and the love of human kind ! 

Know then this truth, enough for man to know, 

Virtue alone is happiness below ; 

Each worth, each good, that individuals find, 

Or God, or nature, meant for weak mankind ; 

Reason's whole pleasure, all the joys of sense, 

Lie in three words, Health, Peace, and Competence. 

Would you then win ? despise low joys, low gains, 

Be virtuous, and be happy for your pains. 



MARY M'DONNELL, 

Born in the year 1667, died in 1785, aged 118 years. 

Of Magheratempany, near Bally nahinch, in the county of 
Down, in Ireland. She was born in the isle of Sky, in Scot- 
land, which place she left in the year 1688, and resided af- 
terwards in the county of Down. The year before her death, 
she walked to Moira (fourteen miles,) in one day, to see her 
landlord; and in the year 1783, reaped her ridge of corn, as 
well as the youngest people in the country. When she was at 
Moira, she had all her senses perfect, except a little weakness 
in her eyes ; but was strong, healthy, and active. 



118 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In St. Andrew's Church-yard, Plymouth, Devon, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

MRS. ANN HILL, 

WIFE OF CAPTAIN HENRY HILL, OF THE ROYAL NAVY. 

Here let the proud, the volatile, and gay, 
Who bask and glitter in life's little day, 
Who follow pleasure through the maze of fate, 
And never dream of their precarious state ; 
Now let them pause, and read beneath this stone, 
" Lies every female virtue join'd in one. 
If beauty ye require — a fairer form 
Could never catch the eye, or bosom warm ; 
Yet fairer still her mind display'd through life, 
The best of daughters — sister — mother — wife ; 
Heaven view'd the angelic soul with fond regard, 
And snatch'd her early to a bless'd reward." 



ANNE SIMMS, 
Aged 113 years, died in the year 1785, 

Of Studley-green, Wiltshire, England. Till within a few 
months of her death, she was able to walk to and from the 
seat of the Marquis of Lansdown, near three miles from Stud- 
ley. She had been, and continued, till upwards of one hun- 
dred years of age, the most noted poacher in that part of the 
country ; and frequently boasted of selling to gentlemen the 
fish taken out of their own ponds. Her coffin and shroud she 
purchased, and kept them in her apartment more than twen- 
ty years. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 119 



In St. Lawrence Church-yard, Reading, Berkshire, England. 

A loving wife, a tender mother, 
A christian true this stone discover ; 
Faithful and patient, chaste in love, 
Dead to this world, but lives above. 



IN SANDBACH CHURCH-YARD, ENGLAND. 

UPON A 

MRS. ALICE KITCHING, 

Who was born at Nottingham, June 9, 1 680, and died at Bradwall, 
April 18, 1718. 

Receive a treasure, earth, which far outvies 

The richest ore and gems that in thee rest ; 
Whilst her fair soul is wing'd for Paradise, 

And sings triumphant hymns among the Blest. 
This good and faithful servant whilst she liv'd 

(A brighter title than a Prince or Lord.) 
Has now her wages with applause receiv'd, 

Is crown'd with double honour and reward. 
How sweet her dust! how blooming is her fame! 

The standard of true worth in her degree ; 
Her friends on this fair stone inscribe her name, 

But in their hearts embalm her memory. 



In Ringwood Church-yard, Hampshire, England. 

Soon fell this flower that's here in dust array'd, 
Reclines its foliage in this sacred shade j 
Immortal plant! whose root without decay 
Shall fairer spring, and bloom in endless day. 



120 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Barnstable Church-yard, Devonshire, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

A PRIVATE SOLDIER, 

Belonging to the Swry Militia, who died March 10, 1762, aged 
19 years. This stone was erected by the contri- 
bution of his Comrades. 

No more to see his Surry's native skies ! 

No more to bless a fondling parent's eyes ! 

To this strange earth with warlike rites we 'trust 

The shrouded relic of a comrade's dust : 

Nor shall his corpse here unregarded lie 

Without the kind memorial of a sigh ; 

For him shall gush the friendly drop sincere, 

The soldier's grave demands the soldier's tear ! 

What though no flatt'ring titles grace his tomb, 

The sculptur'd marble speaks his time of doom. 



In Heatherly Church-yard, Devonshire, England. 

Time was when once I was, — now I am not ; 
Time is and shall be, — though I am forgot ; 
Time was when I never was, — yea, long before ; 
Yet I shall be, — when time shall be no more. 



In St. Martin's Church-yard, city of Norwich, England. 

Here rest the ashes of a happy pair, 

Who rear'd their offspring with parental care; 

A joy to each they pass'd the stage of life: 

He a kind husband, she a loving wife : 

In all their actions generous and just, 

Whose sacred ashes blossom in the dust. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 121 

in St. Mary's Church-yard, Southampton, England. 
Here, Fashion's votary! cast your fleeting eye, 
And if your heart can feel 'twill heave a sigh : 
Ye giddy throng, who waste your hours in play, 
Look on this corpse, once lovelier than May ! 
In her May-day of life no bird more gay, 
Her song more sweet than philomel's lay ; 
No flower more fair, the bloom was like her mind, 
Chaste, vivid, delicately warm, refin'd; 
Foibles she had, but none disguis'd with art, 
They skim'd the skin, but never reach'd the heart. 
That gem was pure, transparent as the sky, 
Glow'd on her cheek, and sparkled in her eyej 
Soft lustre gave to ev'ry winning grace, 
And beam'd angelic sweetness o'er her face. 



In the Cathedral Church, Bristol, England. 
Take, holy earth ! all that my soul held dear ! 

Take that best gift which heav'n so lately gave ! 
To Bristol's port I bore with trembling care 

Her faded form, — she bow'd to taste the wave 
And died! Does youth, does beauty, read these lines? 

Does sympathetic fear their breasts alarm? 
Speak, dead Maria! breathe a strain divine! 

Even from the grave thou shalt have power to charm. 
Bid them be chaste, be innocent like thee, 

Bid them in duty's sphere as meekly move ; 
And if so fair, from vanity so free, 

As firm in friendship, and as fond in love, 
Tell them, Though it's an awful thing to die, 

('Twas even to thee,) yet the dread path once trod, 
Heaven lifts its everlasting portals high, 

And bids the pure in heart behold their God. 
No. 6, Q 



122 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Snaith Church-yard, Yorkshire, England. 

Th' amazing scene that death shall bring to view, 
Should make us thoughtful, and religious too ; 
In three short moments death will teach us more 
Than all the art of man could do before. 
What death conceals, in judgment shall be known, 
When truth shall triumph, and that truth alone. 
Then man be wise, and labour to secure 
That bliss which shall eternally endure 
Oh ! make your calling and election sure. 



i 



In Wantage Church-yard, Berkshire, England. 

In vain we seek for rest below, 

Where 'tis not to be found ; 
Rest is a plant that will not grow 

In any earthly ground. 

But when our souls mount up above, 

The firmament so high, 
Within our blest Redeemer's love 

There's everlasting joy. 



In Grantham Church-yard, Lincolnshire, England, 
Pause here one moment, thou that readest this, 
He still would point thee to eternal bliss ; 
His soul betimes the friend of sinners sought, 
He found him gracious, and his grace he taught ; 
His soul was humble, and his faith was true, 
And what he taught, he taught from what he knew ; 
His words, his arts, were full of love divine, 
Reflect ! — and make, like him, religion thine. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 123 

Written in February, 1800, on removing a Daughter's coffin 
from a watery grave to a dry one, on the north side of the 
church. 

Whilst I thy bloom in mem'ry's record trace, 

And with regret thy short-liv'd stay deplore, 
I view with awful solemn thought the place 

Where we must lie till time shall be no more. 
Preserv'd by Lichfield's tender sonneteer, 

Her much-lov'd sister's lock of hair we find : 
Thus 1, thy sire, with like affection, here 

Record of thee what death has left behind ; 
For after nine yea - ravage of the grave 

Thy relic still one mark of beauty show, 
(Which sometimes living females fail to have,) 

A well-set row of teeth, as white as snow. 



In Jill Saints 1 .Church-yard, Oxford, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF THE FIRST AND SECOND WIFE OF 

THOMAS PLATER, 

WHO WERE BOTH INTERRED IN ONE GRAVE. 

Two worthy women, in succession led, 

Were late the partners of one marriage bed, 

Each in her turn as mother and as wife, 

Shar'd all the virtues of domestic life ; 

To each allotted by the will of fate 

A painful passage to the heavenly gate ; 

Here rests in peace — the bitter conflict's o'er. 

Pain shall affect their lab'ring breasts no more ! 

From earth's low scene releas'd, they're gone to prove 

The noble raptures of celestial love ! 

While grief their widow'd partner's heart devours, 

This hope shall soothe his solitary hours. 



124 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Westminster Abbey, London, 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

CHARLES ROWE, 

And his only daughter. 

Thy relics, Rowe, to this sad shrine we 'trust, 
And near thy Shakespear place thy honour'd bust $ 
Ah! skill'd next him to draw the tender tear, 
For never heart-felt passion's more sincere ; 
To nobler sentiments to fire the brave, 
For never Britain more disdain'd a slave. 
Peace to thy gentle shade, and endless rest, 
Blest in thy genius, in thy love too blest ! 
And blest that timely from our scene remov'd, 
Thy soul enjoys the liberty it lov'd ! 
To thee so mourn'd in death, so lov'd in life, 
The childless mother and the widow'd wife 
With tears inscribes this monumental stone 
That holds their ashes, and expects her own. 



In Barnstaple Church-yard, Devonshire, England, 

ON TWO CHILDREN, WHO DIED INFANTS. 

For these dear Sons, sad parents, cease to mourn, 
Tho' hast'ned from the cradle to the urn ! 
Such spotless souls are most of God belov'd, 
And therefore from the snares of life remov'd ; 
Many the dangers are, and great the fears, 
Which e'en the virtuous meet in riper years ; 
And when men die, we cannot surely know 
Whether to happiness or pain they go : 
But no one doubts, on their departure hence, 
That heaven's the lot of infant innocence. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 125 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

MISS MARY FRANKLIN, 

OF SPILSBY, LINCOLNSHIRE, ENGLAND. 

She's gone! the loveliest of her sex is doom'd 

In death's cold arms to lie entomb'd! 

Ah! cruel tyrant! could not each fond charm 

Soften thy stony heart, thy rage disarm? 

Could not her virtues, countless as the sand, 

Her sentence change, or stop thy savage hand? 

Could not a father's tears, a mother's woe, 

Or filial anguish, cause thee to forego 

Thy guiltless prey? Could not her friends' distress 

(For such were all mankind) thy mind impress 

With pity? No; regardless of their sighs 

The blow is aim'd, and beauteous Franklin dies! 

Yet, matchless goodness! tho' retir'd to rest, 

Thy spirit's fled, and number'd with the blest ; 

Still shall my mind each smile, each winning grace, 

With care retain, each opening beauty trace, 

And dwell with rapture on thy angel face. 

Yet why, my heart, for Mary should'st thou grieve, 

Since innocents like her with angels live 

In glory clad, eternal praises sing 

To man's Creator, Saviour, Judge, and King? 

Ah ! tho' thus happy in thy Saviour's love, 

Tho' now partaker of the light above 

Thou reign'st, unspotted as the dove, 

Yet let my heart, oppress'd with sorrow, heave 

One tributary sigh o'er Mary's grave ; 

With tears unfeign'd bedew her silent urn, 

Think on her life, and modulate my own. 



126 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 



ON THE DEATH OF 

HENRY BEWICKE, Esq. 

July 4, 1802. 

Bewicke, farewell! the vital spark is fled, 

And thou art number'd with the silent dead ; 

Yet mem'ry casts a pensive look behind, 

To trace the virtues that adorn'd thy mind, 

And paints thee slowly sinking to the tomb, 

Far from the joys, th' endearing ties of home, 

No kindred near to watch each " short'ning breath," 

And " smooth" with anxious care " the bed of death." 

The humble poor thy early loss must grieve, 

Whose heart could pity, and whose hand relieve ; 

While oft at morning-dawn, or ev'ning-shade, 

They seek the sacred spot where thou art laid, 

Where spreading trees their solemn foliage wave, 

And deck with sweetest flow'rs thy sylvan grave. 

And long, dear youth, thy name shall be rever'd 

By those who once thy sprightly converse shar'd ; 

Who felt the charm of kindness sure to please, 

Of polish'd manners, elegance, and ease, 

And knew thee oft the mental feast prolong, 

With all th' enchanting pow'rs of wit and song, 

Who now with sorrow unaffected mourn, 

And drop the tear of friendship o'er thy urn. 



In St. George's Church-yard, City of Norwich, England. 

Here anxious cares no more invade her breast, 
But peaceful slumbers lull her soul to rest, 
Till the last trump shall rise her from the dust 
To joys eternal, which await the just. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 127 



ELEGY 

ON 

MISS TEMPLE 

Eldest daughter of Colonel Temple, who died July 11, 1802, 
at Bristol, England. 

In vernal beauty bloom'd the peerless maid, 

Like some fair vine with ambient foliage crown'd, 
While ripening suns increasing charms display'd, 

The pride, the lustre, of the regions round. 
Thus shone array'd in loveliness divine 

The hope of Nature, Virtue's smiling care ; 
But mystic Fate in vain would man define ; 

Heav'n's dark decrees t' unfold who'd vainly dare? 
Consumption wan, alas! to youth sworn foe, 

Wav'd o'er her tender frame his death-fraught hand, 
Impatient wav'd ; such beauty to forego, 

Such growing grace, provok'd his fell demand. 
Malignant symptoms hence, a sickly train, 

O'er her pale form their baneful influence spread ; 
The rose no more preserv'd its gay domain, 

Faded its charms, its blushing honours fled. 
What now remains? where shall we now descry 

That genial bloom by Nature's bounty spread ? 
That ray of truth full beaming from her eye, 

Where is the rolling brilliant? whithe^ fled? 
Total eclipse of all that Heav'n could give, 

That Virtue cherish'd, or that Youth admir'd ; 
Lost is that mien where Grace was wont to live, 

And cold that breast which ev'ry Fancy fir'd. 
No more her thrilling touch shall melt my heart, 

The trembling strings soft vibrate on my ear ; 
No more her mimic pencil's splendid art 

Unite all taste within its magic, sphere. 



128 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

To her quick-kindling, her immortal sight, 

High Genius ope'd his mines of purest ray, 
And Truth still brighten'd with new streams of light 

The mighty realm of mind's eternal day. 
To wit, to taste, to elegance, was join'd 

All that in sentiment and feeling dwells ; 
This thought in love's despair shall sooth my mind, 

And wake that pride which Fame's proud meed excels 
Sprung from the fruitful lap of teeming May, 

The flow'r assumes its long- forgotten hue, 
Throws off th' unsightly mask of chill decay, 

And warm with op'ning sweets blooms forth anew; 
But, once inhears'd in Death, the mould'ring frame 

Beams not again with radiant lustre crown'd, 
For ever must these cheerful realms disclaim, 

Forlorn, forgotten, lie in night profound. 
There in dark lodgments quietly repose 

Those limbs once taught with matchless grace to move; 
Tho' warm to Mem'ry's eye the portrait glows, 

By Fancy colour'd, and bedeck'd by Love, 
Her form all bright in Glory's dazzling smile 

Triumphantly my longing eyes survey ; 
Seraphic dreams my night's deep griefs beguile, 

And Faith illumines with celestial ray. 



In St. Mary's Church-yard, City of Norwich, England. 

Remember, reader, thou art born to die! 
In all thy ways think on eternity ! 
Prepare to meet thy God, his call obey, 
By Christ who is thy life, the truth, the way! 
So shall thy soul be number'd with the just, 
Thy body ransom'd from its bed of dust. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 129 

[n St. Mary's Church-yard, Southampton, England. 

Friend, if humanity e'er touch'd thy breast. 

In peace reposing let these ashes rest ; 

Nor dare to violate this hallow'd dust 

Till judgment calls, and earth resigns her trust. 



In Pilton Church-yard, near Barnstaple, Devonshire, Eng. 
TO THE MEMORY OF JOHN HAYNE, 

A HUNTSMAN, 

Who died January 18, 1797, in the 40th year of his age, much re- 
gretted by his master, William Barber, Esq. to whom he was a 
faithful servant 25 years. 

'Tis done! the great debt of Nature's paid, 

Hayne among the numerous dead is laid ; 

O'er hills and dales, thro' woods, o'er mountains, rocks, 

With keenest ardour he pursu'd the fox ; 

Heedless of danger, stranger to dismay, 

Dauntless thro' obstacles he held his way ; 

But now, alas! no more his bosom beats 

High in the chase, forgotten are his heats ; 

His ardour boots him not, for here are bounds 

Ne'er o'er leap'd* by huntsman, horse, or hounds ; 

Here was his course arrested, then draw near 

Sons of the chase, and drop a pitying tear ; 

Now o'er his tomb, whilst you impassion'd bend, 

And pensive think of your departed friend, 

Repeat the tale, convey'd in simple strain, 

And sighing say, " Here lies poor honest Hayne." 



A grand idea of death. 

R 



130 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In the Church-yard, Great Barford, Bedfordshire, England. 

THE REMAINS OF 

JOHN GOODMAN MAXWELL, Gent. 

Were interred here on the 24th day of his anniversary, on the se- 
venth day of the week, on the seventh day of the seventh month, 
in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy- 
seven. 

How short the span! here lies at 24, an honest man, 
Who felt in kindness for the poor a pride, 
And made benevolence his constant guide ; 
Who gave in private, for he shun'd applause, 
Tho' tremblingly alive in Pity's cause. 
But grim, terrific Death, with rude embrace, 
Snatch'd him from hence, more fit for better place, 
Where virtuous deeds shall meet with due regard, 
And sterling merit have its due reward. 
Reader, the brightest of his days are thine, 
Longer their space, and longer their decline ; 
But drop, Oh! drop, one sympathizing tear, 
A much-lamented husband's frame lies here. 



In St Paul's Church-yard, Deptford, Kent, England. 

Tho' cropt in early bloom, if we by grace 
His time compute, he liv'd but five weeks' space ; 
Dead whilst alive— in dying life begins, 
Short race of life! but what a crown he wins! 
In sin, him death attacks ; but grace steps in, 
And makes him triumph over death and sin: 
Thus by Christ's death, in death he's made to cry, 
Death, where's thy sting? Grave, where's thy victory? 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 131 

In Scarborough Church-yard, Yorkshire England. 

Should nature mourn the rigid doom that gave 
To youth and innocence an early grave, 
And sorrowing o'er the dust that moulders here, 
Should fond affection sometimes drop a tear! 
Yet, to restrain the energy of grief, 
The Christian's hopes shall bring its best relief; 
Since freed from human woes, a num'rous train, 
The parents' loss is her eternal gain. 



In the Church-yard, Shipstone-upon-Stour, Worcestershire, 
England. 

How blest is our brother, bereft 

Of all that could burden his mind ! 
How easy the soul that hath left 

This wearisome body behind! 
The soul of our brother is gone 

To heighten the triumph above, 
Exalted to Jesus's throne, 

Exalted by Jesus's love. 



In Oundle Church-yard, Northamptonshire, England. 

You whose fond wishes do to Heav'n aspire, 
Who make those blest abodes your soul's desire ; 
If you are wise, and hope that bliss to gain, 
Use well your time, live not one hour in vain ; 
Let not the morrow your vain thoughts employ. 
But think this day the last you shall enjoy. 



1S2 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 



In the Cathedral Church-yard, Peterborough, England. 

Earth is the stage, heaven the spectator is, 
To mark and view whoever acts amiss ; 
The grave that keeps us from the parching sun, 
Is like drawn curtains when the play is done : 
Thus run we posting to our latest rest, 
Only we die in earnest, not in jest. 



Died, in the year 1782, VALENTINE CATEBY, of 
Preston, near Hull, Yorkshire, aged 116. He went to sea in 
his eighteenth year, and continued a sailor thirty-six years ; 
but on his return from the sea he commenced farming, in which 
occupation he followed to the latter part of his life, His diet 
for the last twenty years, was milk and biscuit. His intellects 
were perfect till within two days of his death. 



In Biggleswade Church-yard, Bedfordshire, England. 

The blooming cheek, the brilliant eye, 

Are blasted by his breath ; 
And all, without distinction, lye 

Slain by the hand of death. 



In Rayleigh Church-yard, Essex, England. 

Altho' she sleeps, her memory doth live, 
And pleasing comforts to her mourners give 5 
No private interests did her soul invade, 
No foe she injur'd, nor no friend betray'd ; 
She follow'd virtue as her truest guide, 
Liv'd as a Christian, and a Christian died. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 133 

In Brixham Church-yard, Devonshire, England. 
TO THE MEMORY OF PETER HARTNELL, 

A MARINE, 

Who was drowned at Brixham-quay, aged 21 years. His 
Comrades erected this stone. 
Deserving youth! lav'd with the friendly tear, 
This humble stone thy weeping comrades rear ; 
Then, rest blest shade! may no impious hand 
From off thy breast remove the hallow'd sand ! 
But round thy grave may myrtles raise their head, 
Wan lilies nourish, and the yew-tree spread ; 
The creeping ivy, in its fond embrace 
Intwine thy tomb, and guard thy resting-place. 
Tread lightly, trav'ler, o'er this hallow'd spot, 
And heave a sigh, since this may be thy lot. 



In St. EdmonoVs Church-yard, city of Salisbury, England. 

This silent stone the awful truth declares, 

" The grave's the end of all our anxious cares ;" 

Let us attend each moment to improve 

And fit ourselves for endless bliss above ; 

And while each fleeting hour succeeds the past, 

Let us reflect — the next may be our last. 



In St. Thomas's Church-yard, city of Salisbury, England. 

'Tis finish'd! the great deciding part! 

The world subdu'd, and heaven has all my heart ; 

My husband, and all friends, I bid adieu, 

And ask no more the rising sun to view : 

For, oh! the light himself, with rays divine, 

Breaks in, and God's eternal day is mine. 



134 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In the Cathedral Church, Rochester, Kent, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

MRS MARY LONGLEY, 

WIFE OF JOSEPH LONGLEY, ESQ,. 

If search of humble virtue's dear remains, 

Reader, on this sad spot thy eye detains, 

Know that the earth thou tread'st on held a mind 

Strict to its own, to faults of others kind. 

She asks not praise from verse, from marble fame, 

The poor, the sick, the blind, record her name ; 

Her steady faith her useful life commends, 

Tenderest of wives, of mothers, and of friends. 

With early woe, with tears of torture prest, 

Her patient piety sustain'd the test. 

When cancerous pangs her ebbing life-blood drain'd, 

And not e'en utt'rance for a prayer remain'd, 

To heaven a firm, undoubting look she threw, 

Her spirit following to its mansions flew. 

Is this an envied end? the means prepare, 

Go, and do likewise, and those mansions share. 



Died, in the year 1796, SUSAN MILLS, aged 102. She 
resided in a house called the Ship-meadow lock-house, on the 
Bungay navigation, in the county of Suffolk, England. Her 
husband was manager at the locks for Sir John Dalling's 
grandfather, in the year 1715, who was then proprietor of 
that navigation. This instance of longevity seems to contra- 
dict the generally received opinion of the unwholesomeness of 
low, marshy situations, her residence being mostly surround- 
ed by floods throughout the winter. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 135 



In the Church-yard, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, England. 

Her soul releas'd, upwards took its flight, 
O never more below to bless our sight ! 
Parted awhile our joys will be complete 
When in the resurreetion-morn we meet. 
Farewell, dear child, we hope to meet above, 
And there with thee sing the Redeemer's love. 



In St. Pancrass Church-yard, Chichester, England. 
TO THE MEMORY OF JOHN HORNE, Jun. 

AGED 27 YEARS. 

Written by himself a few days before his death. 

Stop, gentle reader, and survey these stones, 
The friendly shelter of my lifeless bones ; 
Life's giddy scene by fate at length is clos'd, 
And still in earth the body lies repos'd ; 
The soul superior spurns the mould'ring clay, 
From heaven sprung — to heaven wings its way ; 
And soaring sings, be this great truth confess'd, 
Religion only can give hopes of rest. 
Go then, ye scorners, seize the instant hour, 
Perhaps your last, and make your calling sure ; 
Farewell, be counselled, nor my words despise, 
The early pious are the only wise. 



In St. Bidolphh Church-yard, Cambridge, England. 

Few were my steps and rough my road, 
Steep was life's hill and full of thorns ; 

Yet soon I reach'd this dark abode, 
From whence no traveller returns. 



136 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In the north aisle of the Church, Scarborough, Yorkshire, Eng. 
is a Latin monumental inscription on a brass plate, 

TO THE MEMORY 

OF AN 

AFFECTIONATE WIFE, 

Who died the 14th day of Aug. 1695, in the 22d year of her age. 
It is thus translated: 

While thee, dear spouse, in this cold tomb I place, 

Let love with watchful torch thy funeral grace ; 

With thee, alas! sweet piety is gone, 

And chaste affection sleeps beneath this stone, 

And all the virtues, which too plainly prove 

Thou wast not mine, but form'd for joys above; 

How happy lately was thy husband's state ! 

But now how chang'd — how wretched is his fate! 

Light is the casual grief of parting friends 

To that which Death's tremendous blow attends. 



In St. Mary's Church-yard, Southampton, England. 

Stop, reader, and with awe look down, and learn 

In time what 'tis true wisdom to discern : 

Here blended lie the aged and the youth 

In death's embrace — a most important truth ! 

And thou, dear girl, who, with the gentlest mind, 

In pangs contented, and in death resign'd, 

Had heav'n been pleas'd thy virtuous life to spare, 

Thy brother's pride, thy mother's chiefest care ; 

But, Oh ! vain thought! when every earthly bliss 

Must have a change, and close a scene like this. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 137 

JOHN TICE, 

OF HAGLEY, WORCESTERSHIRE, ENGLAND, 

Died in 1774, aged 125 years. 

He was born in the Protectorship of Oliver Cromwell. When 
about eighty years of age, he had the misfortune to have both 
his legs broken by the falling of a tree ; and a violent cold af- 
terwards settling in his head, rendered him very deaf. At the 
age of one hundred, whilst sitting by his fire-side alone, he 
was seized with a fainting-fit, and fell into the fire ; but a per- 
son accidentally coming into the room, preserved him from 
death, though he was much burnt ; yet, with proper care, in 
a short time he recovered, and took his customary walks. 
But the greatest misfortune that could have befallen him, 
was the death of his only friend Lord Lyttleton; for after that 
he never left his room. He retained all the faculties of his 
mind to the time of his death. William Tice, his younger 
brother, died a few years before at Kidderminster, Worcester- 
shire, aged one hundred and two. 



IN TIVERTON CHURCH-YARD, DEVONSHIRE, 

ENGLAND. 

Take, venerable earth, the lovely frame 
That, for awhile, contain'd a lamb-like soul, 
Lately the happy gift to me from God, 
To crown the joys, to sooth the cares of life. 
But, oh ! how soon requir'd ! torn from my soul, 
Rent from my love, and number'd with the deadi 
Preserve inviolate the sacred charge, 
Till the last trump shall rise the sleeping dust 
And call her to her native air and home, — 
Lasting abode of innocence and love. 
S 



138 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

' a. 

In the Cathedral Church-yard, Peterborough, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

MARY BROWNRIGG. 

Written by herself. 

Here lies a widow, poor and mean, 

With virtues next to none ; 
1 hope salvation to obtain 

When I am dead and gone. 
Tho' worms this lump of flesh destroy, 

I'm sure to rise again ; 
And hope to meet sweet Christ in joy, 

With him to live and reign. 



In St. Peter's Church-yard, Colchester, Essex, England. 

Hail, highly bless'd! releas'd from woe, 
Thy parents' joys and dear desire ; 

May such, when they their heads shall bow, 
And in their Saviour's arms expire 

Meet thee, who art before them gone, 

With joy around the heavenly throne. 



In Uffington Church-yard, Berkshire, England. 

Take, holy earth, the best dear charm of life! 
Take, holy earth, a just and faithful wife! 
She bloom'd, and died so soon to sink to rest, 
She bloom'd, and died, once more, and to be blest 5 
For know, the paths of truth she meekly trod : 
Honour'd her spouse, and lov'd and feared God. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 139 

In the Church-yard of fVitchurch, Hampshire, England. 

While o'er the grave his wife and children dear 
With heartfelt sorrow drop a silent tear, 
" Here rests a man," each passing neighbour cries, 
" Whom dead all mourn'd, when living all did prize , 
" May heaven to his lov'd relict pity show, 
" And his dear offspring while they live below ; 
" And may they all united meet above 
" In the bless'd mansions of eternal love." 



Died, in the year 1784, MARY CAMERON, of Brae 
Mar, in Inverness, Scotland, aged 128 years. She retained 
her senses to the last. She remembered the rejoicings 
at the restoration of Charles II. Her house was an asylum 
to the exiled Episcopal clergy at the revolution, and to the 
gentlemen who were proscribed in the years 1715 and 1745, 
Upon hearing that the forfeited estates were restored, she ex- 
claimed, " Let me now die in peace; I want to see no more 
in this world." ; 



In the Church-yard, Chelmsford, Essex, England, 

So fades the lovely blooming flower, 
Frail smiling solace of an hour ! 
So soon our transient comforts fly, 
And pleasure only blooms to die! 
Hope wipes the tear from sorrow's eye. 
And faith points upwards to the sky 
Those blissful regions to explore, • » 

Where pleasure blooms to fade no more. 



140 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In the Cathedral Church, Exeter, Devon, England. 

Tho' sacred Friendship deems thy fate severe, 
And fond Affection drops a silent tear, 
Tho' childless now desponding parents sigh, 
Pour the sad plaint, and turn the streaming eye 
To thy cold grave — yet o'er each aching breast 
Meek Resignation breathes the balm of rest ; 
Religion whispers peace amidst the gloom, 
While pale Affection, musing o'er the tomb, 
Submits, and lowly bends, to heaven's high will, 
Hush'd every plaint and every murmur still 
Tho' all lament thy blooming grace's fled, 
And weep for beauty mould' ring with the dead, 
Thy virtues still the kindred wish shall raise 
To meet with thee thy God, and hymn his praise. 



In Ramsey Church-yard, Huntingdonshire, England. 

Relations all, who read this stone, 
You know that I have undergone 

Consumption's sore decay. 
My dust doth speak to you behind, 
See ye the one thing needful mind, 

Lest you be call'd away. 



In St. Peter's Church-yard, Isle of Thanet, Kent, England. 

If ever truth in epitome was told, 
Reader, for truth this character behold: 
To act uprightly was through life his plan, 
He liv'd belov'd, and died an honest man. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES 141 

In Gosport Chapel-yard, near Portsmouth, England, 

TO THE 

MEMORY OF RICHARD ADAMS, 

A MASTER MASON. 

There needs no statue to adorn the dust, 
Here Adams lies, and honour is his bust. 



in ChiswicJc Church-yard, Middlesex, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF THE CELEBRATED 

DOCTOR WILLIAM ROSE, 

Who died in 1786. The lines were composed by Mr. Murphy. 

Who'er thou art, with silent footsteps tread 

The hallow'd mould where Rose reclines his head; 

Ah! let not folly one kind tear deny, 

But pensive pause where truth and honour lie 5 

His the gay wit that fond attention drew, 

Oft heard and oft admir'd, yet ever new ; 

The heart that melted at another's grief, 

The hand in secret that bestow'd relief; 

Science untinctur'd by the pride of schools, 

And native goodness free from formal rules ; 

With zeal through life he toil'd in learning's cause, 

But more, fair virtue ! to promote thy laws : 

His every action sought the noblest end, 

The tender husband, father, brother, friend ; 

Perhaps e'en now, from yonder realms of day, 

To his lov'd relatives he sends a ray ; 

Pleas'd to behold affection like his own, 

With filial duty raise this voted stone. 



142 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Chichester Cathedral Church-yard, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

ALEXANDER M'DONYAL, 

LATE MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL. 

His zeal was ardent in the cause of God, 

His theme, the fulness of a Saviour's blood ; 

His feelings as a man could sooth distress 

And gently lead the soul to life and peace ; 

At his meridian he fulfill'd his race, 

Aspir'd to Heav'n, and reach'd his destin'd place. 



In Rotherham Church-yard, Yorkshire, England. 

Here lies a man which farmers lov'd, 
Who always to them constant prov'd ; 
Dealt with freedom, just and fair, 
An honest Miller all declare. 



In Honiton Church-yard, Devonshire, England. 

TO THE 

MEMORY OF GEORGE TRITE. 

Thou who survey'st this stone with curious eye, 
Pause at the grave where Trite in ashes lie ; 
His various worth, thro' various life, attend, 
And learn his virtues, whilst thou mourn'st his end. 
Calm conscience then his former life survey'd 
And recollected toils endear'd his shade ; 
Till nature call'd him to her general doom, 
And virtue's sorrows dignified his tomb. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 143 

IN HAVANT CHURCH-YARD, HAMPSHIRE, ENGLAND, 

Is a very singular inscription, to the memory of six children, 
three sons and three daughters, of Thomas and Mary Pil- 
lington, who all died in the short space of 24 days, as below 
inserted. 

William, died December 6, 1746, aged 18 years. 
Joseph, died December 21, 1746, aged 9 years. 
Charles, died December 21, 1746, aged 6 years. 
Sarah, died December 21, 1746. aged 4 years. 
Ann, died December 24, 1746, aged 2 years. 
Mary, died December 30, 1746, aged 17 years* 

Oh! cast an eye, a mournful scene presents, 

In four weeks' time six children snatch'd from hence ; 

And past the darksome, gloomy night away, 

To see the dawning of a glorious day. 



In the Church-yard at Stoke-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, Eng. 

Here, holy Friendship, breathe thy solemn lay, 

Here strive this good man's value to display, 

Call to remembrance his exalted mind, 

Say he was gen'rous, affable, and kind! 

See, how serene he steer'd his course thro' life, 

Sought peace, and shun'd the noisy scenes of strife! 

There no false pride within his bosom reign'd, 

His honest heart no art, no falsehood stain'd ; 

Say, sacred pity was triumphant there, 

And that he made the poor man's case his care ; 

Give him his tribute of deserved praise, 

Who now in peace has clos'd his well-spent days. 



144 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

* In the Cathedral Church, Warwick, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

MISS CISSELLY PUCKRING. 

Birth, breeding, beauty, grace, and carnage sweet, 
In thee, dear saint, did altogether meet! 
The sun ne'er saw a comelier face than thine, 
Nor heaven receiv'd a spirit more divine ; 
Thrice happy parents, such a child to breed. 
Begot again by God's immortal seed! 
Cease sorrowing then, since saints and angels sing 
To see her match'd to an eternal King. 



In the Church-yard, Witney, Oxfordshire, England 

Henceforth be ev'ry sorrowing tear suppress'd, 

And only weep for joy that he is bless'd ; 

From pain to bliss, from earth to heav'n remov'd, 

His mem'ry honour'd as his life belov'd ; 

This painful race undauntedly he ran, 

And in his nineteenth year he died a man. 



In the Church-yard at Yarmouth, England. 

When heaven decrees, 'tis folly to complain, 
Fond parents weep not, for it is in vain ! 
This worldly mass is subject to decay, 
And death and nature all things must obey ; 
God's will be done ! — and may this keen-felt smart 
Prove the true furnace to refine my heart; 
When thus prepar'd, Lord, be it thy decree 
To take me from this suff'ring world to thee. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 145 

Died, in 1797, Mrs. CHUftCH, 

OF STANTON, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, ENGLAND, 

Aged 109 years. 

In calling to recollection the earliest public events within 
her memory, she well remembered the rejoicings at the ac- 
cession of Queen-Anne to the crown of England. Under the 
same roof lived the old lady, her daughter, her grand-daugh- 
ter, and her grand-daughter's children, making four genera- 
tions in one house. Her death was hastened by a fall down 
stairs a few weeks before. 



In the Cathedral Church-yard, Rochester, Kent, England. 

Stranger! these dear remains contain'd a mind 
As infants guiltless, and as angels kind ; 
Rip'ning for heav'n, by pain and suflfring tried, 
To pain superior, and unknown to pride ; 
Calm and serene beneath affliction's rod, 
Because she gave her willing soul to God : 
Because she trusted in her Saviour's power, 
Thence firm and dauntless in the dying hour. 



In St. John's Church-yard, Sudbury, Suffolk, England. 

When Jesus shall to judgment come 
To take his ransom 'd people home, 
In glocy shall their bodies rise 
To join their spirits in the skies, 
Ever to live with God on high ; 
Reader ! art thou prepar'd to die? 
No. 7. T 



14G SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Westminster Abbey, London. 

What tho' thou hast of nature or of arts, 
Youth, beauty, strength, or what excelling parts 
Of mind or body, letters, arms or worth, 
Is eighteen years beyond his years brought forth ; 
Then stand and read thyself within this glass, 
How soon these perish, and thyself may pass! 
Man's life is measur'd by his works, not days, 
Not aged sloth, but active youth hath praise. 



In Ramsey Church-yard, Huntingdonshire, England. 

Forbear, my dearest friends, to weep, 

Since death hath lost its sting ; 
Those Christians that in Jesus sleep 

Our God will with him bring ; 
Then on a green and flowery mount 

Our weary souls shall sit, 
And with transporting joys recount 

The labours of our feet. 



In St. Mary's Church-yard, Southampton, England. 

Go, mournful spirit, wing the dreary way, 

Leave a lov'd mansion, leave the cheerful day, 

A naked wanderer on the winter's wind, 

Ah! leave reluctant youth and strength behind! 

Not long a wanderer to that happy shore, 

Be heaven thy guide, where mournings are no more! 

In purer mansions in a form divine, 

Immortal youth, immortal joy be thine! 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 147 

In the Church-yard, Sandy, Bedfordshire, England, 

While pity prompts the rising sigh, 

O may this truth impress 
With awful powers, " I too must die," 

Sink deep into my breast. 
Then, sinner fly, to Jesus fly, 

Whose powerful arm can save ; 
May all thy hopes ascend on high, 

And triumph o'er the grave. 



In Newhury Church-yard, Berkshire, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

WILLIAM MALCHOIR, 

LATE TRUMPETER IN THE 15tH REGIMENT. 

Sleep undisturb'd within this hallow'd ground, 
Till the last trumpet's loud and awful sound 
Shall rise thee from this dreary clay-cold sod, 
And cherubs waft thy immortal soul to God, 
Where the celestial choirs refulgent shine, 
Angels shall greet thee with such notes as thine. 



In Stow-market Church-yard, Suffolk, England. 

Ah! hither bend your steps, ye thoughtless gay, 
And view her form consign'd to earthly clay! 
Learn from her loss, that earthly joys are vain, 
That man's sure portion is but grief and pain ; 
The scene of blasted hope that meets your eye, 
Serve to convince that youth and age must die. 



148 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In the Cathedral Church, Exeter, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

RACHAEL CHARLOTTE O'BRIAN, 

WIFE OF CAPTAIN I. E. o'BRIAN. 

Her death was occasioned by her clothes catching fire. 
Seeing the flames communicating to her infant, all regard to 
her own safety was lost in the more powerful consideration of 
saving her child ; and, rushing out of the room, she preserv- 
ed its life at the sacrifice of her own. She expired on the 
13th day of December, A.D. 1800, in the 19th year of her age. 

If sense, good humour, and a taste refin'd, 
With all that ever grac'd a female mind ; 
If the fond mother and the faithful wife, 
The purest, happiest, character in life ; 
If these when summon'd to an early tomb, 
Cloth'd in the pride of life and beauty's bloom, 
May claim one tender sympathizing sigh, 
Or draw a tear from melting pity's eye, 
Here pause — and be the grateful tribute paid, 
In sad remembrance of O'Brian's shade. 



In Malcombe Burial-ground, near Weymouth, Dorsetshire,Eng. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

T. LLOYD MORGAN, 

Who was murdered on the 27th day of April, 1792, aged 22 years. 

Here, mingling with my fellow clay, 
I wait the awful judgment-day ; 
And there my murderers shall appear, 
Altho' escap'd from justice here. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 149 

NANNY M'DANIEL, 
of st. Patrick's hospital, Dublin. 

Died in the year 1796, aged 106. 

This woman, when young, married a soldier, and attended 
his fortune in the field, where, on the plains of Fontenoy, he 
fought for honour, and fell, and left her a widow with two 
children. The humanity of her late husband's Colonel ena- 
bled her with her children to reach Ireland : another soldier 
was her lot, who fell at the battle of Preston-Pans, where she 
was present, and had a son also killed in the field, whose wife 
and child were in the camp. On her return to Dublin, she 
was appointed, by the governors, a servant in the foundation 
of Dean Swift, and was the first person that ever slept in that 
hospital, where she remained till her death. The governors 
had superintended her for some years, and supported her 
with decency and comfort till her death. 



IN SCARBOROUGH CHURCH-YARD, YORKSHIRE, 

ENGLAND. 

This humble grave, tho' no proud structures grace, 
Yet truth and goodness sanctify the place ; 
That early virtue which adorn'd thy bloom, 
Lamented maid, now weeps upon the tomb! 
Escap'd from death, and safe on that calm shore 
Where sin and pain, and sorrows are no more. 
What ne'er wealth could buy, nor power decree, 
Regard and pity wait sincere on thee ; 
Lo! soft remembrance drops a pious tear, 
And holy friendship sits a mourner here. 



150 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Boston Church-yard, Lincolnshire, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

WILLIAM AND RICHARD MASTIN, 

One aged 11, and the other 13 years, who were drowned be- 
neath the ice. 

Dear parents cease, 'tis needless to complain, 
What's loss to you is our eternal gain ; 
The slip we made beneath the fatal ice 
Has plac'd our souls in endless paradise. 



IN HADLEIGH CHURCH, SUFFOLK, ENGLAND, 

Is the following whimsical inscription : 

The charnel mounted on this w* 
Sits to be seen in funer 
A matron playn domestic 
In housewif'ry a princip 
In care and payns continu 
Not slow, nor gay, nor prodig 
Yet neighbourly and hospit 
Her children seven, yet living 
Her sixty-seventh year hence did c 
To rest her body natur 
In hopes to rise spiritu 



J>*all 



IN THE ABBEY CHURCH, ST. ALBANS, HERTFORDSHIRE, ENG. 

There is a monument of OFF A,* ivho is represented as seated on his 
throne ; with a Latin inscription thus translated : 

Whom you behold, ill painted on his throne, 
Sublime was once, for Mercian Offa known. 



The founder of the church, about the year 793. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 151 

TO THE MEMORY OP 

LORD CHATHAM, 

PRIME MINISTER OF ENGLAND, 

Who was succeeded by his son, the Right Hon. William Pitt, 

With honesty and active genius born, 
Thy nation, age, and species to adorn ; 
Form'd with resistless eloquence to charm, 
And Britain's sons with patriot ardour warm; 
With counsels wise endu'd the helm to guide, 
In senates triumph, and o'er camps preside; 
Bid royal navies spread their awful wings, 
And commerce smiling, open all her springs ; 
With toils of state no longer now opprest, 
Receive the manumission of the blest! 
Bright in thy rising, bright in thy decline, 
Around thy name unsullied glories shioa; 
Thy fame establish'd, nothing can betray, 
No war can shake, no peace can steal away. 



In Newark Church-yard, Nottinghamshire, England, 

Within this hallow'd earth from human eyes, 
An honour to her sex — a female lies! 
Whose mental value grac'd a mortal life, 
And join'd the friend, the mother, and the wife. 
When death with anger threw his fatal dart, 
Consign'd to dust what nature join'd with art; 
In this cold urn she rests, until that day 
When sun shall fade, and earth dissolve away. 



152 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Fercham Church-yard, Hampshire, England. 

Torn from a tender mother's fond embrace, 

Nor prayers, nor tears, my children's lives could save j 

Death, in his conquests o'er the human race, 
Blends youth and age within the silent grave. 



In Fercham Church-yard, Hampshire, England. 

Rapid disease and death's cold pressing hand, 
Alas! the bloom of youth could not withstand ; 
Parental care not ill bestow'd, must yield 
Of sweet returning love a barren field. 
Yet it is not untimely to escape 
The snares of vice that come in pleasure s shape ; 
To change the fripp'ry of this worldly plight 
For dress unfading of a heavenly white. 



In the Cathedral Church-yard, city of Ely, England. 

She fell ! as falls the tender flower, 

With pale and drooping head, 
With odour lost, and faded hue, 
Doom'd to the spot on which it grew, 

It seeks its native bed. 



In St. Albans' Church-yard, Hertfordshire, England. 

Beneath this turf death's prisoner lies, 
The turf shall move, the prisoner rise, 
When Jesus, with almighty word, 
Calls his dead saints to meet their Lord. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 153 



In the Church of Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, Eng. 

TO THE MEMORY OF THE INIMITABLE 

SHAKSPEARE. 

His bust is in the wall, on the north side of the churchy and a fat 
gravestone covers the body in the aisle just under the above, 
with these lines. 

Good friend, for Jesus' sake, forbear 
To move the dust that resteth here ! 
Blest be the man, that spares these stones, 
And curs'd be he, that moves his bones. 



ON VIEWING 

SHAKSPEARE'S TOMB, 

AT STRATFORD-UPON-AVON. 

Immortal Shakspeare! while I view thy shrine, 

Where many a bard has been with rapture fir'd 
Accept these poor, tho' grateful lays of mine, 

These grateful lays thy relics have inspir'd. 
Great nature's mirror, fancy's fav'rite child! 

Whose wond'rous muse could all her charms explain, 
And sooth our ears with thy sweet warbling wild, 

Without controul o'er ev'ry passion reign. 
This flow'ry wreath I hand around thy urn, 

Not deck'd with dew, but with the gen'rous tear 5 
And, till the vital lamp shall cease to burn, 

Thy mem'ry sweet I ever shall revere. 
Ye weeping muses, vent the melting strain! 

Ye rural swains, an annual tribute bring! 
Collect from ev'ry grove and flow'ry plain 

The richest produce of the breathing spring ; 
U 



154 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

Soft zephyrs fair your fragrant wings display, 

Waft ev'ry sweet from all the flow'rs that bloom! 
Ye fairy tribes, who sport in Cynthia's ray, 

Your airy circles lead around his tomb ! 
And you, ye nymphs of Avon's crystal stream, 

With willows crown'd, your solemn dirges sing, 
Till the last morn emits the splendid beam, 

His aerial wakes him with the tuneful string. 



In the south side of the same Church, next the Chancel, is an- 
other monument, on which are three inscriptions, in Greek, 
Hebrew, and Latin. They are thus translated. 

Here born, here liv'd, here died, and buried here, 
Lieth Richard Hill, thrice bailiff of the Borough; 

Two matrons of good fame he married in God's fear, 
And now releas'd in joy, he rests from worldly sorrow. 



ON 

LADY MOLESWORTH, 

Who was unfortunately burnt to death, by a fire which broke 
out in her dwelling-house in London, May 6th, 1763. 

A peerless matron, pride of female life 
In ev'ry state, of widow, maid, or wife; 
Who wedded to threescore, preserv'd her fame, 
She liv'd a Phoenix, and expir'd in flame. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 155 

IN ST. DUNSTAN'S CHURCH-YARD, STEPNEY, LONDON. 

On a grey marble stone against the wall. 
Here Thomas Saffin lies inter'd ; Ah! why 
Born in New England did in London die? 

Was the third son of , right begot upon 

His mother Martha, by his father John ; 
Much favour'd by his Prince began to be, 
But nipt by death at the age of twenty-three ; 
Fatal to him was that, we small-pox name, 
By which his mother and two brothers came 
Also to breathe their last nine years before ; 
And now have left their father to deplore 
The loss of all his children, with that wife 
Who was the joy and comfort of his life. 
Departed, June 18, 1687. 



WRITTEN BY THE HUSBAND TO THE MEMORY OF AN 

AFFECTIONATE WIFE. 

Farewell, my best belov'd, whose heavenly mind, 
Genius and virtue, strength with softness join'd; 
Devotion undebas'd by pride or art, 
With meek simplicity and joy of heart ; 
Tho' sprightly, gentle ; tho' polite, sincere, 
And only of thyself a judge severe ; 
Unblam'd, unequal'd in each sphere of life, 
The tenderest daughter, sister, parent, wife ; 
In thee their patroness th' afflicted lost ; 
Thy friends their patron, ornament and boast ; 
And I — but ah! can words my loss declare, 
Or paint th' extremes of transport and despair; 
O thou, beyond what verse or speech can tell, 
My guide, my friend, my best belov'd, farewell! 



156 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

JOHN CRAIG, 

OF KILMARNOCK, OR ST. MARNOCH, IN AYRSHIRE, SCOTLAND, 

Died in the year 1793, aged 111. 

He served as a soldier in the north British dragoons, and 
was at the battle of Sheriffmuir in 1715. He was never mar- 
ried, nor ever had any sickness, but worked as a day labour- 
er till within a few days of his death, and retained his memo- 
ry and senses to the last. There was found in his possession, 
secreted in an old chest, a great number of crowns and half 
crown pieces, and other coin. 



Church-yard, Bedford, England. 

His steps pursue, religion cries aloud, 
And let thy faith from terror cleanse the shroud ; 
Shun folly's path and spurious vice despise, 
Where disappointment lurks and pleasure dies *, 
There fix thy heart whence joys eternal flow, 
And flow for thee, if virtues thou bestow. 



In Winbourn Minster, Dorsetshire, England. 

Fourscore and one she trod the stage of life, 
A tender parent and a loving wife ; 
Virtue with truth forever was her guest, 
She lov'd the poor, because the poor were blest ; 
Her lively faith ne'er took an idle flight, 
The Cross of Christ was ever in her sight, 
Nature, in virtue's path, as ripe in age, 
This vault retains an actress of life's stage. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 157 

In St. Edmond's Church-yard, city of Salisbury, England. 

From earth to heaven my dearest friend is fled, 
Immortal glory beaming round her head ; 
Her harp she tunes, and to the sounding strings 
Exalts her voice to praise the King of Kings! 
While here I mourn, desiring to remove, 
To share with her the pleasures known above. 



In the Church-yard of St. Ives, Huntingdonshire, England. 

In peace the shades of our great grandsires rest, 
No heavy earth their sacred bones molest ; 
Eternal springs and rising flowers adorn 
The relics of each venerable urn ; 
Who pious reverence to their tutors paid, 
As parents honour'd, and as gods obey'd. 



ALEXANDER KILPATRICK, Esq. 

OF LONGFORD, IN IRELAND ; 

Died in 1783, aged 116 years. 

He was formerly Colonel of an Irish regiment of foot, and 
had served John Duke of Marlborough. 



DENNIS O'GRADY, 

OF THURLES, COUNTY OF TIPPERARY, IN IRELAND, FARMER. 

Died in the year 1793, aged 106. 
He never experienced any very severe illness from his child- 
hood, and retained his senses to the last. He left a wife, aged 
ninety-nine years. 



158 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Barnstaple Church, Devonshire, England. 

'Tis not her plenteous issue, nor this pile 
Her husband's love erected, can beguile 
Time's destroying hand, for such memorials must 
Themselves lie down, wrapt in oblivion's dust: 
No, she preserv'd her name a way more sure, 
By faith, love, patience, meek life and pure ; 
These, these are spices that shall embalm her name, 
And make it fragrant when the world's a flame. 



THOMAS GARRICK, 

OF COLLESSIE, IN FIFESHIRE, SCOTLAND, 

Died in the year 1793, aged 108. 

A few months before he died, he was in the constant habit 
of walking three miles every day ; and in his ninety-ninth 
year married a third wife. 



Died, April 5, 1765, 

The celebrated and ingenious Dr. YOUNG, Rector of Well- 
wyn, in Hertfordshire, England, author of Night Thoughts, 
The Brothers, a tragedy, performed at one of the theatres in 
March 1753; the benefits arising from the performance he gave 
to the society for propagating the Gospel ; his first piece cal- 
led the Last Day, was published in 1704. He married a lady 
nearly related to the Earl of Litchfield, by whom he had only 
one son, to whom his late R. H. the Prince of Wales stood 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 159 

godfather. — He was buried with the utmost privacy, under the 
altar-piece of his parish church, by the side of Lady Betty, 
his late wife ; and though he was both the founder and endow- 
er of a charity-school in this parish, neither the master nor 
the children attended his funeral. His paul was supported by 
the rectors or vicars of the neighbouring parishes : The mourn- 
ers were his son, his nephew, another near relation, his 
housekeeper, most of the bearers, and the whole town of 
Wellwyn. All his manuscripts he ordered to be burnt ; an 
irreparable loss, say some, to posterity, as he was the intimate 
acquaintance of Addison, one of the writers of the Spectator, 
and excepting Dr. Pearce, the present Bishop of Rochester, 
the last surviving genius of that incomparable growpe of au- 
thors. 

The altar-piece in the church of Wellwyn is the most curi- 
ous in this or any other kingdom, being adorned with an ele- 
gant piece of needle-work, wrought by the Lady Betty 
Young, wife to the lateDr.Young. In the middle is inscribed, in 
capital letters, the following sentence ; "I AM THE BREAD 
OF LIFE." On the north side of the chancel is the follow- 
ing inscription, supposed to be by the order of the late Dr. 
Young ; VIRGINIBUS, "Increase in stature and in wisdom:" 
and on the south side, " PUERISQUE, and in favour with 
God and Man." — Dr. Young has, in his will, left all his pos- 
sessions to his son, after his legacies are paid. 

The following is an apostrophe of the Bard of Wellwyn : 

O sacred Solitude, divine retreat, 
Choice of the prudent, envy of the great ; 
By thy pure stream, or in thy waving shade, 
We court fair Wisdom, that celestial maid. 
The genuine offspring of her lov'd embrace 
(Strangers on earth) are Innocence and Peace. 



160 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

Died, May 25, 1800, at East Dareham, Norfolk, WILLIAM 
COVVPER, Esq. of the Inner Temple, author of a poem en- 
titled " The Task," and many other beautiful productions. 
This truly amiable and very interesting character was born 
at Great Berkhampstead, Herts, Nov. 15, 1731. His father, 
the rector of that parish, was John Cowper, D.D. nephew to 
the Lord High Chancellor Cowper ; and his mother was Anne, 
daughter of Roger Donne, gent, late of Ludham-hall, Nor- 
folk. Mr. Cowper's merit as a poet was exceeded only by 
his benevolent and truly Christian spirit. His religion in- 
spired him with sentiments of universal philanthropy, to which 
his conduct was strictly conformable; and his genius produced 
those works which will continue to be admired as long as 
sublimity, pathos, and imagination, are considered as the 
prime ornaments of poetical composition. His manners were 
unassuming, gentle, unaffected ; and the whole tenor of his 
life was not merely blameless but exemplary. The first vo- 
lume of his poems was published in 1782; the second 1785. In 
1791 he undertook the arduous task of translating the Iliad 
and Odyssey into blank verse. 



BY THE LATE 

WILLIAM COWPER. 

Not in his printed Works. 

The poplars are fell'd, and adieu to the shade, 
And the whispering sound of the cool colonade ! 
The winds play no longer, and sing in their leaves, 
Nor the Ouse on his surface their image receives. 
Twelve years had elapsed, since I last took a view 
Of my favourite field, and the bank where they grew ; 
When behold, on their sides, in the grass they were laid, 
And I sat on the trees under which 1 had stray'd. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 161 

The black-bird has sought out another retreat, 

Where the hazels afford him a screen from the heat ; 

And the scene, where his notes have oft charm'd me before, 

Shall resound with his smooth-flowing ditty no more. 

My fugitive years are all hast'ning away, 

And I must myself lie as lowly as they ; 

With a turf on my breast, and a stone at my head, 

Ere another such grove rises up in its stead. 

The change both my heart and my fancy employs, 

I reflect on the frailty of man and his joys ; 

Short-liv'd as we are, yet our pleasures we see 

Have a still shorter date, and die sooner than we. 



EPITAPH 

ON 

MRS. DE MEDINA, 

Wife of Solomon De Medina, Esq. of Stoke Newington. 

BY THE REV. T. MAURICE. 

Let shrouded Grandeur o'er her sleeping dust 
Swell the proud pile, and rear the breathing bust ; 
But when at length the trophy'd splendors fade, 
And marbles mingle with that dust they shade, 
Virtue still towers, eternal and sublime, ..** 

Above the rage of fate, the wrecks of time ! 
Thro' ages shines with undiminish'd beam, 
And pours thro' Death's dark vault a cheering gleam. 
The sainted shade, whose dust lies here inurn'd, 
With all her genuine fires impassion'd burn'd! 
Heav'n too its choicest, noblest gift bestow'd. 
And in her soul the flame of genius glow'd! 

X 



162 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

How bright the meed, when Virtue, Genius join 
Around the tomb the double wreathe to twine ! 
How firm the adamantine structure stands, 
Rear'd to the just by their immortal hands! 
Blest spirit! that now roam'st yon azure fields, 
What mingled pangs and joy remembrance yields ; 
As all thy merits, all thy sufFrings rise, 
In long review before our w Grid 'ring eyes! 
These, great as e'er thy lovely kind possess'd, 
Those, dire as ever rack'd the human breast! 
Thro' all triumphant beam'd th' unshaken mind, 
In life unspotted, and in death resign'd! 
With native goodness, taste, and science fraught, 
Thine was the lib'ral heart, th' expanded thought, 
And, while thy eloquence our bosoms warm'd, 
Thy wit delighted, and thy sense inform'd. 
At home, by ev'ry social charm endear'd, 
Abroad, by an admiring world rever'd. 
Long shall the conjugal, the filial tear, 
Embalm thy ashes, and bedew thy bier ; 
Long shall thy sex thy bright example fire, 
Thy fervid zeal their kindling breast inspire, 
Like thee with active piety to soar, 
And wisdom at its dazzling fount explore ; 
Life's transient day to pass, like thee, approved, 
On earth applauded, and by Heav'n belov'd! 



In Peterborough Cathedral Church-yard, England, 

Blest be that hand divine, that gently laid 
My heart at rest beneath this humble shade! 
Here, on a single plank, was thrown on shore,— 
I bear the tumult of this world no more. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 163 



THE 



PENITENT. 

Press'd with a weight of still-increasing woes, 

Where shall a wretched father find repose? 

A man of sorrow, long inur'd to grief, 

I ask not pity, and disdain relief; 

Though doorn'd, perhaps, in penury to live, 

And want that help I ne'er refus'd to give. 

Yet let me not the ways of Heaven arraign, 

Mine was the guilt, mine justly is the pain. 

My morn of youth was jocund all and gay, 

And bright the prospect of ripe manhood's day ; 

For I was blest with all that gladdens life, 

The first, best gift of Heaven, a virtuous wife, 

A lovely offspring, competence of wealth, 

Unbroken spirits, and luxuriant health. 

But Fashion's follies and destructive play 

From love, from duty, bore me far away; 

In pleasure plung'd, in dissipation tost, 

My wealth was wasted, and my virtue lost. 

Nor ceas'd my crimes, when Heaven in anger gave 

My first-born son, my darling, to the grave: 

Struck to the heart, the partner of my bed 

Bow'd, like a wither'd flower, her drooping head ; 

Conceal'd her own, to sooth my desperate grief; 

With pious care administer'd relief; 

And, while to God the patient sufferer cried, 

The saint sustain'd it, but the mother died. 

From that sad hour of anguish and distress, 

I bade a last adieu to happiness ; 

No more I know a wife's assiduous care, 

No child have I to sooth my grief, or share ; 



164 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

Ev'n hope, the wretch's last support, is flown, 
And I am left abandon'd and alone. 
Dire disappointment follows every plan, 
And Want approaches, like an armed man ; 
111 treads on ill, domestic woes intrude, 
Unnatural children's hard ingratitude, 
With more than serpent's poison, barbs the dart 
That drinks my blood, and rankles in my heart. 
What then remains? To sink in sad despair, 
Or turn to Heaven in penitence and prayer. 
O let me turn to Heaven, and then adore 
My Maker's goodness, and his aid implore. 
The contrite sinner God will not despise, 
He sees his sorrow, and he hears his cries ; 
Wipes from Affliction's cheek the bitter tear ; 
Accepts the penitence, though late, sincere; 
Blots out the guilt that sues to be forgiven, 
Grants peace on earth, and hope of bliss in heaven. 



In Fercham Church-yard, Hampshire, 'England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF AN OLD NURSE. 

To train up helpless infants from their birth, 
To ply the rocking cradle on the hearth, 
To make her own by a fond mother's care, 
Those tender nurslings whom she never bare, 
Was her life's labour ; in a higher sphere 
W T ith sainted innocence shall she appear ; 
Joining with those whom first she taught to raise 
Their feeble voices in their Maker's praise. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 165 

FROM THE PEN OF THE JUSTLY CELEBRATED 

MISS ANNA SEWARD. 

This amiable pattern of filial piety protracting the imbe- 
cile moments of a father's second childhood by actions of the 
most reverential tenderness ; his aged head reclined on her af- 
fectionate arm, and receiving from her beloved hand the food 
requisite for his immediate sustenance. 

SONNET TO A COFFIN-LID. 

Thou silent Door of our eternal sleep, 

Sickness and pain, debility and woes, 

All the dire train of ills Existence knows, 
Thou shuttest out for ever! Why then weep 
This fix'd tranquillity, — so long! — so deep! 

In a dear Father's clay-cold Form? — where rose 

No energy, enlivening Health bestows, 
Through many a tedious year, that us'd to creep 
In languid deprivation ; while the flame 

Of intellect, resplendent once confess'd, 
Dark, and more dark, each passing day became, 

Now that angelic lights the Soul invest, 
Calm let me yield to thee, a joyless Frame, 

Thou silent door of everlasting rest. 



BY THE SAME AUTHOR. 



Since my griev'd mind some energy regains, 
Industrious habits can, at times, repress 
The weight of filial woe, the deep distress 

Of livelong separation ; yet its pains, 



166 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

Oft do they throb along these fever'd veins — 
My rest has lost its balm, the fond caress 
Wont the dear aged forehead to impress 
At midnight, as he slept ; — nor now obtains 
My uprising the blest news, that could impart 
Joy to the morning, when its dawn had brought 
Some health to that weak Frame, o'er which my heart 
- With fearful fondness yearn'd, and anxious thought. — 
Time, and the Hope that robs the mortal dart 
Of its fell sting, shall cheer me — as they ought. 



BY THE SAME AUTHOR. 

The following Sonnet on a lock of Miss Sarah Seward'? 
Lair, who died in her 20th year, is another proof of the ten- 
der affection of the writer : 

My Angel Sister, though thy lovely form 

Perish'd in Youth's gay morning, yet is mine 
This precious Ringlet ! — still the soft hairs shine, 

Still glow the nut-brown tints, all bright and warm 

With sunny gleam! — Alas! each kin 1 red charm 
Vanish'd long since ; deep in the silent shrine 
Wither'd to shapeless dust! — and of their grace 
Memory alone retains the faithful trace. — 

Dear Lock, had thy sweet Owner liv'd, ere now 
Time on her brow had faded thee! — My care 

Screen'd from the sun and dew thy golden glow j 
And thus her early beauty dost thou wear, 

Thou all of that fair Frame my love could save 

From the resistless ravage of the Grave! 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 167 

In the Church-yard at Stonehouse, near Plymouth, Devon, 
England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF A GIRI*, 

Who unfortunately and improperly entered into the conjugal state 
at 12 years of age. 

Twelve years I was a maid, 
Twelve months I was a wife, 

One hour I was a mother, 
And so I end my life. 



In the Cathedral Church-yard, Exeter, England* 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

NICHOLAS VAUGHN, 

Muster-Master of the Trained Band of the County of Devon, and 
of the city of Exeter, who, in the executing of a warrant for 
taking away illegal arms designed for the assistance of Re- 
bellious Forces against the King and Parliament, was treacher- 
ously slain by a shot out of a window at Duns ford, in Devon, 
Dec. 1 1, and was interred under a flat stone close to the east 
wall on the 14th, 1642. 

Under this stone, good reader, lies 
The man whose blood to Heaven cries ; 
Not like a fool or fetter'd slave, 
But, Abner like, went to the grav 
In loyalty to just commands, 
He fell by false and wicked hands 5 
This stone shall lie a monument 
To cry, Avenge the innocent! 



168 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Scarborough Church-yard, Yorkshire, England, 

Scarce had those nine revolving years 
Their happiest influence shed, 

When, lo! the blossom disappears, 
And drops amongst the dead : 

It teacheth thee, O mortal man! 

To know thy years are but a span. 



IN WESTMINSTER ABBEY, LONDON, 

On a beautiful marble monument, is the figure of Old Time, holding 
a scroll in his hand, on which is the following inscription: 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

PHILIP CARTORET, 

Aged 18 years. 

Why slow the mournful Muse's tear 

For thee cut down in life's full prime? 
Why sighs for thee the parent dear, 

Cropt by the scythe of hoary Time? 
Lo! this my boy's the common lot, 

To me thy memory intrust ; 
When all that's dear shall be forgot 

I'll guard thy venerable dust ; 
From age to age, as I proclaim 

Thy learning, piety, and truth, 
Thy great example shall inflame. 

And emulation raise in youth. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 169 

In Penzance Church-yard, Cornwall, England. 
TO THE MEMORY OF A YOUNG MAN, 

WHO WAS DROWNED. 

To mourn my helpless fate no friend was near, 
Strangers supply their place and drop a tear ; 
Then think what's human life! the tear for me 
That's shed to day, to-morrow fall for thee. 



In a Burying-ground at Pool, Dorsetshire, England, 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

JONATHAN VINCENT, 

A SOLDIER, AND A NATIVE OF NORTH-AMERICA. 

Beneath this stone there lieth one 
Two kings hath serv'd and victories won ; 
But now his martial deeds are o'er, 
He's landed safe on Canaan's shore ; 
The Archangel's trump shall bid him rise 
To take his seat above the skies : 
May we, like him, our actions raise, 
And learn to sing our Saviour's praise. 



In St. Matthew's Church-yard, Ipswich, Suffolk, England. 

A Soldier modest, meek, and just, 
Valiant in courage, faithful to his trust j 
No more of Mar's fatigues shall he complain, 
Impartial Death has eas'd him of his pain ; 
His last remains rest here within this ground, 
Till Christ appears and the trumpet sound. 
No. 8 Y 



170 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In W altering Church-yard, Essex, England. 

Escap'd the gloom of mortal life, a soul 

Here leaves its mould'ring tenement of clay, 
Safe where no cares their whelming billows roll, 

No doubts bewilder, and no hopes betray. 
Like thee, I once have stemm'd the sea of life; 

Like thee, have languish'd after empty joys ; 
Like thee, have labour'd in the stormy strife, 

Been griev'd for trifles, and amus'd with toys. 
Yet, for awhile, 'gainst passion's threatful blast, 

Let steady reason urge the struggling oar ; 
Shot through the dreary gloom, the morn at last 

Gives to my longing eye the blissful shore. 



In Aberystwith Chtirch-yard, North- Wales. 

Grief, love, and gratitude, devote this stone 

To her whose virtues blest an husband's life ; 
When late in duty's sphere she mildly shone 

As friend, as sister, daughter, mother, wife, 
In the bright morn of beauty, joy, and wealth, 

Insidious palsy near his victim drew ; 
Dash'd from her youthful hands the cup of health, 

And round her limbs his numbing fetters threw. 
Year after year her Christian firmness strove 

To check the rising sigh, the tear suppress ; 
Sooth with soft smiles the fears of anxious love, 

And Heav'n's correcting hand in silence bless. 
Thus tried her faith, and thus prepar'd her heart, 

The awful call at length th' Almighty gave ; 
She heard — resign'd to linger or depart, 

Bow'd her meek head, and sunk into the grave. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 171 

Died, in the year 1813, at Mr. Richardson's, in the Borough 
of Southwark, London, aged 4 years and 9 months, the cele- 
brated and most surprising spotted West Indian, GEORGE 
ALEXANDER, who was the object of universal admiration, 
not only on account of his very singular marks by which it 
pleased the Almighty to distinguish him from the rest of the 
human race, but for the playful and endearing manner in 
which he possessed in his favour all who visited him. The 
child was attended by Dr. Dundas, of Richmond, Surry ; 
Mr. Astley Cooper; Mr. Phillips, of Southwark ; and Mr. 
Scott, of Bromley, Kent. He was baptized at Newington, 
Surry, on his arrival from the West Indies, when 15 months 
old ; and, after a lingering suffering, died in consequence of 
a gathering in his jaw. 



In Newington Church, Oxfordshire, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

HENRY DUNCH, Esq. 

Here lies the prop and glory of his race, 
Who, that no time his mem'ry may deface, 
His grateful wife under this speaking stone 
His ashes hid, to make his merit known. 
Sprung from an opulent and worthy line, 
Whose well-us'd fortune made their virtues shine ; 
A rich example his fair life did give, 
How others should with their relations live. 
A pious son, a husband, and a friend, 
To neighbours too his bounty did extend ; 
So far, that they lamented when he died, 
As if all to him had been near allied ; 



172 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

His curious youth did men and manners know, 
Which made him to the Southern nations go ; 
Nearer the sun, though they more civil seem, 
Revenge and luxury have their esteem ; 
Which, well observing, he return'd with more 
Value for England than he had before ; 
Her true religion, and her statutes too, 
He practis'd, and gave to each their due ; 
And the whole country griev'd for their ill fate, 
To lose so good, so just a Magistrate. 
To shed a tear, my readers, be inclin'd, 
And pray for one he only left behind ; 
Till she who does inherit his estate, 
May virtue love like him, and vices hate. 



IN RIPPON MINSTER CHURCH-YARD, YORKSHIRE, 

ENGLAND. 

To thee, O venerable shade! 
Who long hast in oblivion laid, 

This stone I here erect; 
A tribute small for what thou'st done, 
Deign to accept this small return, 

Pardon the long neglect. 
To thy long labours and thy care, 
Thy son who lives, thy present heir, 

This grateful tribute owe. 
Spirit divine! what thanks are due, 
This will thy memory renew, 

Its all I can bestow. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 173 

AN ELEGY 

ON THE MUCH-LAMENTED 

Mrs. CAMELL, 
Of Bungay, in Suffolk, England, who died Oct. 26, 1799. 

And is that eye, which lately shone so bright, 

For ever clos'd to ev'ry prospect here ? 
No more to speak the language of delight, 

No more to beam with pity's angel tear? 
Is that fair form, the fairest forms among, 

Pale, cold, and mould'ring in the silent tomb? 
And are those lips, on which persuasion hung, 

Now seal'd for ever in Death's awful gloom? 
Alas! the banish'd smiles from ev'ry face 

Too plainly speak this sad, this mournful truth, 
That Death unpitying view'd each gentle grace, 

The charm of virtue, and the bloom of youth. 
Lamented shade! had friendship's soothing art, 

Love's tenderest skill, or fond affection's tear, 
Possess'd the power to shield thee from his dart, 

We had not mourn'd thee on thy early bier. 
And, ah! surrounded by life's flatt'ring charms, 

Blest in such social and domestic tie, 
Well might thy bosom feel some sad alarms, 

When fainting nature whisper'd "thou must die!" 
Not that th}' pure, thy spotless mind could fear, 

The awful summons from a world of woe, 
To part from those who made that world so dear, 

Prov'd the severest pang that death could know. 
That pang is past ; and now thy spirit soars 

Beyond the reach of sufTring, grief, or pain ; 
And, whilst thy loss each sorrowing friend deplores, 

Hope sweetly whispers "ye shall meet again." 



174 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

Oh! may that thought a parent's grief assuage, 

Whose tears yet flowing o'er a husband's grave, 
See one dear solace of her vvidow'd age 

Snatch'd from those arms which had not pow'r to save. 
And may it too exert its blest control 

To sooth the anguish of his tortur'd heart, 
Who from the dear lov'd partner of his soul 

Is doom'd for ever in this world to part! 
But thou, sad mourner ! let not dark despair* 

Cloud ev'ry hour of life's remaining day; 
Remember Heav'n, who hears the suppliant's prayer, 

Can yet illume it with its cheering ray. 
What though the dreams of gay delight are o'er, 

Far brighter hopes thy bosom yet may feel, 
And beyond this earthly scene they soar, 

A chasten'd rapture o'er thy soul shall steal. 
Ye giddy triflers of this giddy age, 

Now gay in health, in youth, and beauty's bloom, 
Oh ! let one serious thought your minds engage, 

For short is ev'ry passage to the tomb. 
The victim now we mourn was fair like you, 

And though, like you, with youth and beauty blest, 
Her mind Religion's purest precepts knew, 

And in her spotless life they shone confest. 
As o'er. her grave griefs bitter tear we shed, 

A soothing balm fond busy mem'ry gives ; 
For though alas ! she's number'd with the dead, 

In Friendship's faithful bosom still she lives. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 175 

In St. Bartholomew's Burying-ground, Exeter, England. 

Can feeble nature such a loss sustain, 
Unaided yet by Heaven, and not complain? 
A widow'd husband deems his lot severe, 
And weeping children mourn a mother here. 
Not long, ye mourners, pine with secret grief, 
Religion smiles on all who need relief; 
Soon as your prayers celestial comfort sends, 
Pointing to Heaven, where ev'ry sufPring ends, 
Where joys eternal wait the pure iirmind, 
And worth like her's a sure reward must find. 



Oh ! come, who know the childless parent's sigh, 
The bleeding bosom, and the streaming eye ; 
Who feel the wounds a dying friend imparts, 
When the last pang divides two social hearts ; 
This weeping marble claims the gen'rous tear, 
Here lies the friend, the wife, and all that's dear ; 
She fell full blossom'd in the prime of youth, 
The noble pride of virtue, worth, and truth ; 
Firm and serene she view'd this mould'ring clay, 
Nor fear'd to go, nor fondly wish'd to stay ; 
And, when the king of terrors she descry'd, 
Kiss'd the stern mandate, bow'd her head and died. 



In St. Ives 1 Church-yard, Huntingdonshire, England. 

Here sleeps beneath this humble pile of earth 
The mortal relics of transcendent worth; 
In Virtue's and Religion's paths she trod, 
And drew the model of her life from God ; 
Serenely calm, in Hope resign'd her breath, 
And found her greatest, kindest, friend in Death. 



176 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

1 

SARAH HAYNES, 

OF WINFORD, SOMERSETSHIRE, ENGLAND, 

Died in the year 1793, aged 103. 

Till within a year of her decease, she had been accustomed 
to knit stockings of the finest texture. She had been the mo- 
ther of eleven children, two of whom she left living, a son 
aged seventy, and a daughter aged sixty-seven, who were both 
deaf and dumb. 



In the Church-yard at Coomb, Somersetshire, England. 
TO THE MEMORY OF THOMAS DAVIS. 

A POOR, BUT HONEST MAN. 

Stop, reader here, and deign a look 

On one both poor and lame ; 
Ne'er enter'd in the ample book 

Of fortune or of fame ; 
Studious of peace, he hated strife, 

Meek virtues fill'd his breast ; 
His coat of arms, " a spotless life," 

" An honest heart," his crest ; 
Quarter'd therewith was innocence, 

And thus his motto ran : 
" A conscience void of all offence 

" Before both God and man." 
In the great day of wrath, tho' pride 

Now scorns his pedigree, 
Thousands will wish they'd been allied 

To this man's family. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 177 

SERIOUS REFLECTIONS 

ON 

THE DEATH OF A FRIEND. 

As those we love decay, we die in part, 
String after string is sever'd from the heart ; 
\ Till loosen'd life, at best but breathing clay, 
Without one pang so soon doth fall away. 
Unhappy he who latest feels the blow, 
Whose eyes have wept o'er ev'ry friend laid low ; 
Dragg'd ling'ring on from partial death to death, 
Till, dying, all he can resign, is breath. 



JOHN MINNIKEN, 

OF MARYPORT, CUMBERLAND, ENGLAND. 

Died in the year 1793, aged 112 years. 

Towards the latter part of his long life he became rather 
feeble. He, however, retained his sight and memory to the 
last; though his hearing became very defective. He often 
related the following curious anecdote of himself, at which he 
seldom failed to laugh heartily, as well as his friends : About 
thirty years preceding his death, he sold his head of hair to 
a person in a neighbouring town, for a penny-loaf per day, 
during the remainder of his life: the hair was cut off, and a 
note given for the performance of the covenant on the part of 
the purchaser. It is also worthy of remark, that more than 
twenty wigs were made of the hair of this singular personage, 
and that he possessed, but a short time before his death, such 
an abundance, as few people can boast of even in the vigour 
of youth. 

Z 



178 SEFULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In St. Andrew's Church, Plymouth, Devon, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

Mr. JOHNS and MARY his wife. 

The mould'ring form below, to dust consign'd, 

Was once the mansion of a polish'd mind ; 

A mind enrich'd with sentiment and taste, 

By virtue dignified, by talents grac'd ; 

Fraught with each charm that gladdens wedded life, 

Exalts the mother, or endears the wife : 

Nor rests she here alone, the lifeless frame 

Of him with whom she shar'd a heart and name, 

Here shares with her the Almighty's awful doom, 

Sleeps near her ashes and partakes her tomb ; 

Far above human praise her virtues rise, 

Their true memorial is beyond the skies. 



In Potten Church-yard, Bedfordshire, England. 

However humble is the lot we share, 
This trifling world may prove a fatal snare : 
This wisdom knew, and, lo! affliction's given, 
Kindly design'd to draw our thoughts to heav'n. 
Thus he whose mortal part lies buried here, 
Was tried with sufferings, and sometimes severe, 
Through life! consumption with the fever's rage 
Alternate strove to push him off the stage. 
Taught in the end earth's vanity to see, 
Farewell, he cried, I've had enough of thee. 
At length the ling'ring writ of ease appear'd, 
The mortal mandate ! which he calmly heard, 
And, all-collected, for his change prepar'd. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 179 

In St. Stephen's Church-yard, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, Eng. 

When age, all patient and without regret, 
Lies down in peace and pays the general debt, 
Tis weakness most unmanly to deplore 
The death of those who relish life no more: 
But when fair youth that ev'ry promise gave, 
Sheds his sweet blossom in the gloomy grave, 
All eyes o'erflow with many a streaming tear, 
And each sad bosom heave a sigh sincere. 



In St. Pancrass, near London. 

TO THE MEMORY OF A MOST AMIABLE 

WIFE. 

Words are wanting — to say what? 

Think what a wife should be, and she was that. 



In St. Matthew's Church-yard, Tpswich, Suffolk, England. 

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF 

AUTHOR EUSTACE, 

Late Drum-Major to the East Essex Militia, aged 65 years; fifty- 
three of which he was a Soldier. For Kettling, Fifing, and 
Drumming, he had no equal. 

What Britain ever heard his drum, 
Whose hearts did not beat high , 

For his country's glory? 
But here he lies. 
When the last trump shall sound to Heaven away, 
May he rise and beat a joyful reveille. 



180 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Westminster Abbey, London. 

Tho' low in earth her beauteous form's decay'd, 
My faithful wife, my lov'd Maria's laid. 
In sad remembrance the afflicted raise 
No pompous tomb inscrib'd with vernal praise; 
To statesmen, warriors, and to kings belong 
The trophied sculpture and the poet's song ; 
And these" the proud, expiring, often claim, 
Their wealth bequeathing to record their fame: 
But humble virtue, stealing to the dust, 
Heeds not our lays or monumental bust ; 
To name her virtues ill befits my grief, 
What was my bliss, can now give no relief; 
A husband mourns, the rest let friendship tell, 
Fame spread her worth, a husband knew it well. 



In St. Martin's Church-yard, City of Salisbury, England. 

He's gone! that fair Elysian flower, 

The blooming youth that charm'd our eyes, 

Cut down and wither'd in an hour, 
But now transported to the skies. 



In St. Martin's Church-yard, Stamford, Lincolnshire, Eng. 

How short the date of human things! 

How transient are its joys ! 
The flower that in the morning springs, 

The evening blast destroys. 



SEPULCHRAL CURlOSITtES. 181 



ON THE 

VICISSITUDE AND VANITY OF ALL SUBLUNARY 
ENJOYMENTS. 

What is this fleeting life of man? 
The scanty measure of a span, 

A bubble, or a dream ; 
With sharp corroding cares perplex'd, 
To sin and death itself annex'd, 

Ah! melancholy theme. 
Behold the infant on the breast, 
His little peevish soul opprest 

With grief and empty fears ; 
We read his passion in his eyes, 
He spends his breath in sobs and cries, 

And bathes himself in tears. 
Few years revolv'd he's sent to school, 
Where taught to think and live by rule, 

What discontent he bears! 
Whilst book and pen his time employ, 
There's none so wretched as a boy, 

Nor so involv'd in cares. 
Anon extravagant desires, 
Tumultuous thoughts and am'rous fires, 

Within his bosom rage ; 
These, reason long essays to tame, 
By dread of pain, and want, and shame, 

And tedious wars they wage. 
But time, at length, like fate prevails, 
Tho' reason, Jove's great daughter, fails. 

And life grows more sedate ; 
What once he made the total sum 
Of all delight, is now become 

The object of his hate. 



182 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

Now happiness is drawn from gold 
And in the shining list's enroll'd 

Of honour, wealth, and fame ; 
For this he toils, for this his days 
Are spent ; by this he hopes to raise 

A grand immortal name. 
But gold has wings, and will not stay ; 
Man would pursue, but feels decay, 

The fond pursuit restrain. 
And now, beneath the hand of death 
He sinks, and yields with grief his breath, 

Which yet he drew in vain. 
He, he alone can life possess, 
Whom smiling hope shall deign to bless, 

Fair daughter of the skies ! 
A friend, to virtue's friends alone, 
The worlds above are all her own. 

And there enjoyment lies. 



In Westminster Abbey, London. 
With diligence and trust most exemplary 
Did William Lawrence serve a prebendary; 
And for his pains now past, before not lost, 
Gain'd this remembrance at his master's cost. 
Oh ! read these lines again : you seldom find 
A servant faithful, and a master kind! 
Short-hand he wrote ; his flow'r in prime did fade, 
And hasty death of him short-hand hath made; 
Well skill'd in numbers and well measur'd land, 
Thus did he know that ground whereon you stand, 
Wherein he lies so geometrical, 
Art maketh some, but this will nature all. 
Obiit, December 28, 1621, JEtatis sua? 29. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 183 

ELEGY 

ON 

RALPH ALLEN, Esq. 

OF PRIOR PARK, NEAR BATH, ENGLAND, WHO DIED IN 1764. 

Adieu, ye sylvan scenes, tho' wont to please, 

And calm the soul with inward woe deprest ; 
Tho' form'd the smart of piercing grief to ease, 

And sooth the mind disconsolate to rest. 
Allen ! the good, the generous, and the wise, 

From all the glitt'ring pomp of life is fled! 
Patient he clos'd in death his peaceful eyes, 

Submissive fell, and mingled with the dead. 
Tho' born obscure, to opulence he rose, 

And made his virtue with his grandeur known ; 
He lov'd his king, and arm'd against his foes, 

He join'd his country's interest with his own. 
His soul was great, benevolent, and kind, 

Of others' grief he shar'd a friendly part ; 
His vast munificence was unconhn'd, 

His lib'ral hand display'd a generous heart. 
Encircled round his hospitable door, 

With thankful hearts, and with uplifted eyes, 
Fed by his bounty, stood the grateful poor, 

While for his life their prayers to Heaven rise. 
But now, alas! their cheeks bedew'd with tears, 

And streaming eyes, the woeful loss deplore! 
In each sad face anxiety appears, 

Their joy is gone, for Allen is no more! 
And is he gone? ah! never to return, 

No more to shine, but in immortal fame ! 
The bursting tears shed round his sacred urn, 

Shall bear in memory his honour'd name. 



184 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

See winged seraphs lead the heav'nly way, 
And guide his soul, in its celestial flight, 

To realms of bliss, to everlasting day, 

To scenes of boundless joy and spotless light. 



God of all worlds! source and supreme of things! 
From whom all life, from whom duration springs! 
Intense, O let me for thy glory burn ! 
Nor fruitless view my days' and months' return , 
Give me with wonder at thy works to glow, 
To grasp thy vision, and thy truths to know , 
O'er time's tempestuous sea to reach the shore, 
And live and sing where time shall be no more. 



In St. Peter's Church-yard, St. Allan's, Hertfordshire, Eng. 

Inspir'd by that soul which virtue arm'd, 

That noble breast which soft compassion warm'd ; 

Let's learn to emulate such virtues too, 

Press to the goal, and the right path pursue. 



In Huntingdon Church-yard, England. 

A virtuous wife, in prime of life, 

By death was snatch'd away; 
Her soul is blest, and gone to rest 

Tho' flesh is gone to clay. 
She's left behind a husband kind, 

And a beloved son ; 
May they prepare to meet her, where 

True love will ne'er be done. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 185 

In St. Peter's Church, Cornhill, London. 
TO THE MEMORY OF MICHAEL DRAYTON, 

Author of the poems, entitled " Polly Albion." 

MICHAEL DRAYTON, Esq. 

A memorable poet of his age, exchanged his laurel for a crown of 
glory, 1631. 

Do, pious marble, let thy readers know 
What they and what their children owe 
To Drayton's name, whose sacred dust 
We recommend unto thy trust ; 
Protect his memory and preserve his story, 
Remain a lasting monument to glory ; 
And when thy ruins shall disclaim 
To be the treasurer of his name ; — 
His name, that cannot fade, shall be 
An everlasting monument to thee. 



MRS. WARREN 

OF TOLLAGH, COUNTY OF DUBLIN, IRELAND. 

Died in 1794, aged 112 years. 

She had a grandson and grand-daughter, who was grand- 
father and grandmother to children upwards of twenty years 
of age. Her brother died two years before, at the age of one 
hundred and twenty: he ploughed the east-side of Grafton- 
street, and sowed wheat in it. This land he held for two shil- 
lings and sixpence per acre, and had six hundred acres at the 
same rent. He was, on the day of the battle of the Boyne, 
conducting of some farm-carts of his father's, which were im- 
pressed by the army of King William, to carry luggage into 
the camp. 

2A 



166 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

RICHARD BROWN, 

of peter's church, Hereford, England. 

Died in 1794, aged 108 years. 

By the parish register of Byford, it appears he was bap- 
tized June 26, 1687 ; but, from the prevalent custom of keep- 
ing children for some time before they are carried to be bap- 
tized, and other circumstances, it is probable that he was some- 
what older. He was bred to the farming business, from which 
he retired many years, with what he had conceived a compe- 
tency for the remainder of his days : but his life proved lon- 
ger than he expected, for he outlived his fortune, and became 
dependant on the bounty of his friends for subsistence. In the 
instance of this old man, the assertion that smoking tobacco 
is prejudicial to health, is completely refuted, as he was sel- 
dom seen without the pipe in his mouth, and took his last 
whiff a short time before his death. He lived in the reigns of 
six sovereigns, and was so little enfeebled by age, as to walk 
out to the haymakers during the harvest preceding his dis- 
solution. 



In Rotherham Church-yard, Yorkshire, England. 

Withdrawn from sight of every eye, 
Beneath this stone entomb'd doth lie 
The tender parent, faithful friend, — 
Reader, thy attention lend: 
Honest labour, without strife, 
Led him through the vale of life j 
Compos'd and calm resign'd his breath, 
When nature gave him up to death. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 187 

In Weypole Church, in Marchland, Norfolk, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OP 

Mr. ROBERT CONY, 

Who died Nov. 9, 1681. 

In prime of youth, and near to manhood drawn, 

Here envious night oppress'd my hopeful dawn ; 

Before the nuptial crown adorn'd my head, 

Before I tasted of the bridal bed ; 

In parent dust seal'd up in death I lie, 

A sad example of mortality! 

Beauty and youth, and wit and wealth are vain, 

For I had all ; yet all could not obtain 

A short reprieve from the unwelcome grave, 

The last possession that poor man must have. 

Then let all know, how nought by death's regarded, 

And virtue's in the other world rewarded. 



In the Church-yard at St, Lawrence, Norwich, England. 

Sooner or later all do quit the stage, 
We daily see death spares no sex or age ; 
The old, the young 5 the strong, the rich, the wise, 
Must all to him become a sacrifice. 



In Radcliffe Church-yard, Nottinghamshire, England, 

The dame that takes her rest within this tomb, 
Had Rachel's face, and Leah's fruitful womb ; 
Abigail's wisdom, Lydia's faithful heart, 
Martha's just care, and Mary's better part. 



18S SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In 1813, died John Marshall, the prodigy long known in 
Leeds by the name of Crutchy Jack. This singularly diminu- 
tive man, though not more than 36 inches in height, was the 
father of eight fine robust children. Defective as was the con- 
formation of his person, he survived to the age of 62 years, 
and has left a widow and four of his children ; the youngest 
was about five years of age at the time of his death. 



Inscription on the pedestal of an Urn at Nuneham, near Ox- 
ford, England, by G. S. Harcourt, and the Hon. Elizabeth 
Vernon, Viscount and Viscountess Nuneham, 

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF 

FRANCES POOLE, 

VISCOUNTESS PALMERSTON 

Here shall our ling'ring footsteps oft be found, 

This is her shrine, and consecrates the ground ; 

Here living sweets around her altar rise, 

And breathe perpetual incense to the skies; 

Here, too, the thoughtless and the young may tread, 

Who shun the drearier mansions of the dead ; 

May here be taught what worth the world has known, 

Her wit, her sense, her virtues, were her own, 

To her peculiar — and forever lost 

To those who knew, and therefore lov'd her most. 

O ! if kind pity steal on virtue's eye, 

Check not the tear, nor stop the useless sigh ; 

From soft humanity's ingenuous flame 

A wish may rise to emulate her fame, 

And some faint image of her worth restore, 

When those who now lament her are no more. 

N. B. The above was erected in the flower garden. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 189 

In St. Peter's Church-yard, Tsle of Thanet, Kent, England, 

Through raging seas I've cross'd the main, 

Abroad both far and near ; 
But by the sudden change of death, 

My corpse lies easy here. 



IN THE MINSTER CHURCH-YARD, RIPPON, 

YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND. 

Here lies poor 

But honest Bryan Tunstal 5 

He was 

A most expert angler 

Until 

Death, envious of his merit, 

Threw out his line, 

Hooked him, 

And landed him here 

The 21st day of April, 1790. 



In Folkstone Church-yard, Kent, England. 
TO THE MEMORY OF REBECCA ROGERS, 

Died August 22, 1688. 

A house she hath, its made of such good fashion, 
The tenant ne'er shall pay for reparation ; 
Nor will her Landlord ever raise her rent, 
Or turn her out of doors for non-payment ; 
From chimney-money too this cell is free, 
To such a house, who would not a tenant be? 



190 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 



In St. Martin's Church-yard, Stamford, Lincolnshire, Eng. 

To death's cold arms our mortal lives must yield, 
Down at his feet the strong and weak must kneel ; 
The peasant's hut is not unpass'd by thee, 
The mightiest monarch dare not say "I am free." 



In Rumsey Church-yard, Hampshire, England. 

Reader, by whatsoever motive led, 
To view this frail memorial of the dead, 
Remember life's uncertain, transient breath, 
And you, ere long, must also yield to death : 
To make it happy, would you wish to try? 
Live but like him, you need not fear to die. 



In the Qway Church-yard, Ipswich, Suffolk, England, 

Beneath the turf, close by this stone, 
A soldier brave has fix'd his home ; 
His disposition free from strife, 
Yet destin'd fate cut short his life : 
To conquer Death once more he'll rise, 
When the last trumpet rends the skies. 



In Westminster Abbey, London. 

Death can't disjoin what Christ has join'd in love, 
Love leads to death, and death to life above, 
In Heaven, a happier place: frail things despise, 
Live well, to gain in future life the prize. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 191 

In the Catholic Burying- ground, city of Winchester, England. 

Who feeds the hungry, lends unto the Lord, 
And never fails to find his just reward : 
Such glorious deeds, like fragrant odours rise, 
Perfume the air, and penetrate the skies. 
Go, gentle reader, ere it is too late, 
Endeavour his virtuous acts to imitate. 



In Yarmouth Church-yard, Norfolk, England. 

I have tasted of pleasure, 

I have tasted of pain ; 
I know by experience 

This world is but vain. 
So now I take leave 
Of its sorrows and joys ; 
For God hath appointed 
That all men must die. 



In the Church-yard at Stoke-wpon-Trent, Staffordshire, Eng. 

In this cold spot the mould 'ring ashes rest 
Of one who liv'd with Christian graces blest ; 
Who, as thro' life's sequester'd path she trod, 
Rank'd high as faithful servant to her God ; 
A virtuous worth adorn'd her peaceful life, 
She was the chaste, the fond, the loving wife ; 
A husband kind it was her lot to share 
Her constant portion in each joy and care ; 
Thus blest, thus happy, in her humble sphere, 
She liv'd in hope, and died without despair. 



192 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

IN BROMLEY CHURCH, KENT, 

ENGLAND. 

At the east-end of the south-wall, on a monument, is the fol- 
lowing inscription : 

Sacred to the memory of 

Thomas Chase, Esq. 

Formerly of this parish ; 

Born in the city of Lisbon 

The first of November, 1729, 

And buried under the ruins of the house where he first saw 

the light, in the ever-memorable and terrible earthquake which 

befel that city on the first of November, 1755, when, after a 

most wonderful escape, he, by degrees, recovered from a very 

deplorable condition, and lived till the 20th November, 1788. 

N. B. Thomas Chase Esq. bas left a most authentic description of the fall of that citj. 



MONS. BERTRAND DE LILLE, 

OP HIGH-STREET, MARY-LE-BONE, LONDON, 

Died in 1813, aged 107 pears. 

He had served Louis XV. King of France, 40 years, as 
first valet-de-chambre. After the death of that Monarch, he 
lived on a small property near Paris, which being at last ex- 
hausted, and his pension taken away, he emigrated, and par- 
took of the charity of this country destined for French emi- 
grants ; whilst his acute faculties, and a considerable portion 
of bodily health, were preserved to him till within a few weeks 
of his death. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 193 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

CATHARINE GREGSON, 

LIVERPOOL, 

Born on October 4th, 1806; died 23d December, 1812. 

Adieu, blest child ! whose fond endearing play 

Did oft my passing hours beguile ; 
Whose presence cheer'd each fleeting day 

With many a sweet enchanting smile. 
Her form was cast in beauty's mould, 

With mind superior to her age ; 
But, ah! that angel form is cold, 

W T hose innocence might charm the sage. 
No more her welcome morning kiss 

Shall bless my lips — but why repine? 
Imparadis'd in realms of bliss, 

'Tis her's with sister saints to shine. 
But, hark! what sounds assail my ear! 

It is my Cath'rine's parting knell! 
They've laid her on the fun'ral bier — 

My child, my darling child, farewell! 
Forgive a father's partial praise, 

And with him drop a tender tear ; 
And sooth him with some plaintive lays. 

For, ah! my child was passing dear. 



In St. Peter's Church-yard, Isle of Thanet, Kent, England. 

The grave is a refining pot 

Unto believers' eyes; 
'Tis here the flesh shall lose its dross 
And like the sun arise. 
No. 9 



194 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

MARY WILKINSON, 

OF ROMALDKIRK, A VILLAGE IN THE NORTH OF YORKSHIRE, 

Died in the year 1788, aged 109 years. 

She was a native of Lunedale ; but, when she arrived at 
years of maturity, she changed her residence for the first- 
mentioned place. When she was young, she walked several 
times to London, a distance of two hundred and ninety miles. 
At the advanced age of ninety, she was desirous of seeing the 
metropolis again ; and buckling a small keg of gin and a 
quantity of provisions on her back, to support her to the end 
of her long journey, she left Romaldkirk, and reached Lon- 
don in five days and three hours! An instance of vigorous 
age not to be equalled by the boasting pedestrians of the pre- 
sent day. She lived to see four kings reign ; and is interred 
in a stately tomb, erected at the expense of the inhabitants 
of Romaldkirk, who esteemed and reverenced her. 



In St. Mary's Church-yard, Walling ford, Berkshire, England. 

Have you not seen the tender bud or blade 
With winter's frost, or scorching sun decay? 
So 'twas with me, my glass was run, 
Before the noon of day myself was done. 



In Yarmouth Church-yard, Norfolk, England. 

A soul prepar'd needs no delay 
The summons come, the saints obey ; 
Swift was her flight, and short the road, 
She clos'd her eyes, and saw her God ! 
The flesh rests here till Jesus come, 
And claim the treasure from the tomb. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 195 

IN WESTMINSTER ABBEY, LONDON. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

' LORD AUBURY BEAUCLARKE, 

The youngest son of Charles Duke of St. Albans, by Diana, 
daughter of Aubury de Vere Earl of Oxford. 

Whilst Britain boasts her empire o'er the deep, 
This marble shall compel the brave to weep, 
As Men, as Britains, and as Soldiers mourn, 
This dauntless, loyal, virtuous Beauclarke's urn; 
Sweet were his manners as his soul was great, 
And ripe his worth, tho' immature his fate; 
Each tender grace that joy of soul inspires, 
Living he mingled with his martial sires ; 
Dying he bid Britannia's thunder roar, 
And Spain still felt him when he breath'd no more. 



SARAH JONES, 

OF DUBLIN, IRELAND, CHILDBED-LINEN-MAKER, 

Died in 1789, aged 102. 

She was an inhabitant of St.Werburgh's parish upwards of 
sixty years, and was the most eminent of her profession the 
greater part of that time. She was active and healthy, and 
likely to live much longer, had she not, some short time be- 
fore her death, received a fall, which bruised and injured her 
very much. Her eyesight never failed her, nor did she ever 
use spectacles. 



196 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

AT PUPPLEWICK COUNTY OF NOTTINGHAM, 

ENGLAND. 

under a bust of the late Marquis of Rockingham. 

Gentle, intrepid, generous, mild, and just, 

These heart-felt titles grace his honour'd bust; 

No fields of blood, b}< laurels ill repaid, 

No plunder'd provinces disturb his shade. 

But white-rob'd Peace compos'd his closing eyes, 

And join'd with soft humanity his sighs; 

They mourn their patron gone, their friend no more, 

And England's tears his short-liv'd power deplore. 



IN WESTMINSTER ABBEY, LONDON, 

IS AN ANCIENT INSCRIPTION TO THE MEMORY OF 

QUEEN ELEANOR, 
Wife to King Edward the First, who lies interred in that Abbey. 

A worthy, noble dame, 
Sister unto the Spanish king, 

Of royal blood and fame ; 
King Edward wise, first of that name, 

And Prince of Wales by right ; 
Whose Father Henry Just the third 

Was sure on English weight; 
Who crav'd a Wife unto his son, 

The Prince himself did go 
On that embasye luckaly 

A chief with many mo 
This knot of linked marriage 

Her brother Alphonso liked, 
And so between sister and prince 

The marriage up was striked: 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 197 

The dowry rich and royal was, 

For such a prince most meet ; 
For pontiff was the marriage gift, 

A dowry rich and great : 
A woman both in counsel wise, 

Religious, fruitful, meek ; 
Who did increase her husband's friends, 

And larged his honour great. 



In Holywell Church-yard, Oxford, England, 

Man sprung from dust, to dust returns again, 
Fraught with disease and overwhelm'd with pain ; 
Short are his days, his joys much shorter still, 
Blended with care, and checker'd o'er with ill ; 
He's happy, then, who soon resigns his breath, 
And feels betime the friendly haiid of death. 



In Coggs' Church-yard } Oxfordshire, England. 

Here lies beneath this humble pile of earth 
The mortal relics of transcendent worth ; 
The pious Christian and the Friend combin'd, 
The tender Husband and the Master kind: 
Wept was his fate by all the rustic train, 
But all their grief and all their tears were vain : 
From his youth up to his declining years 
He found this world indeed a vale of tears ; 
But now he's landed on that happier shore, 
Where toils, and pain, and sickness are no more. 



198 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Ipswich Church-yard, Suffolk, England. 

Reader, if young, lament her early fall, 
Death call'd her soon, and soon on thee may call ; 
If years mature are number'd o'er thy head, 
Oh! ponder well, this soon will be thy bed. 



TO THE MEMORY OF 

ANNE BEAUCLERKE, 

(MRS. TALBOT,) 

Who died in 1809, and inscribed to her memory in 1813. 

Though many a Winter passing o'er thy tomb 

Has chill'd thy ashes, and has mock'd thy doom ; 

Though many a Summer fraught with softest air, \ 

Has kiss'd thy grave, and seem'd to linger there! 

Though Autumn, as if impress'd with conscious grief, 

Has strew'd the holy spot with many a leaf! 

Though deck'd with many flowers, full many a spring 

Has hurried o'er thy form with envious wing ; 

Nor with one snow-drop grae'd the hallo w'd way, 

Because thyself a purer snow-drop lay! 

Yet shall thy friends thy honour'd name revere, 

While to their grief thy virtues still are dear: 

They still recall, with an impassion'd mind, 

The pleasing scenes stern Time has left behind, 

When thy lov'd presence, like some heav'nly guest, 

Rais'd a soft ecstacy in ev'ry breast. 

For me, now bending from the blow of time, 

And all unfit to build a lofty rhyme, 

The thought of thee provokes a transient fire, 

And my soul wakes the long-deserted lyre. 

N. B. The .above was wrirten by the late Mx. Jerninghanu 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 199 

In St. Leonard's Church-yard, Hythe, Kent, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

HENRY HARDING, 

WHO DIED MAY 27, 1794, AGED 21 YEARS, 
AND OF 

WILLIAM HARDING, 

His brother, aged 35, who died on the 20th of June following ; 
both of the parish ofLandkey, in the county of Devon, England, 
and were, at the time of their death, Soldiers in the North De- 
von Militia, encamped near that town. 

Who'er thou art, by solemn fancy led, 

That wander'st o'er these mansions of the dead, 

Here pause awhile, and let this stone relate, 

In humble strain, two brothers' kindred fate: 

To arms alike they flew, by glory spurr'd, 

Soon as their king and country gave the word ; 

Braving the damps of night and heats of noon, 

They camp'd, they march'd, they halted — ah ! too soon. 

No more the shrill reveille shall convey 

To their cold breathless frame the dawn of day ; 

No more at ev'ning's gun the drum shall beat, 

To them the tidings of the sun's retreat ; 

To them, far distant from their native fields, 

Some hallow'd earth this sanctuary yields : 

This tomb contains their dust ; still lives their name, 

And raises in their comrades' hearts to honest fame. 



In Manningtree Church-yard, Essex, England. 

Survey me well, ye youthful, and believe 
The grave may terrify, but can't deceive : 
On beauty's fragile base no more depend, 
Here youth and pleasure, age and sorrow end 



200 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Margate Church-yard, Kent, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF THE 

REV. JOHN PINCHAS, 

Who was 35 years Pastor of the Baptist Church at Shallows, and 
the honoured instrument of raising the Dissenting interest in 
Margate. 

No monumental frame need deck his tomb, 
His character shines bright as sun at noon ; 
Grace was his theme, and now he's gone to prove 
Eternal glory through redeeming love. 



In Kingston Church-yard, near Portsmouth, England. 

Kind Providence which ravens feed, 

And clothes the lily white, 
My safeguard was in all my need, 

And kept me day and night. 



In Hatherly Church-yard, Devonshire, England. 

Welcome, death, thou sure release 
From troubles to the realms of peace! 
This world I willingly resign 
To enter into joys divine. 
Farewell my pains, begone my fears, 
For death a gentle friend appears ; 
Great God, I wait thy kind decree ; 
Lord, let me die, and live with thee. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES 201 

In St. Gregory's Church-yard, city of Norwich, England. 

To speak his praise, what language can I find: 
The man, the christian, and the friend combin'd ; 
While here on earth esteem'd, belov'd, admir'd, 
Now dead lamented, honour'd and rever'd ; 
His liberal hand to many did extend, 
The best of husbands, and the kindest friend. 



In Kingston Church-yard, Hampshire, England. 

Flown, lovely babe, from this gay world 

And its deceitful wiles ; 
Thou in the bosom of thy God 

In peace and safety smiles ; 
Angels obey the Almighty's nod 

To welcome their new guest ; 
The heavenly host with joy attend, 

And lead his soul to rest. 



In Horsham Church-yard, Sussex, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF JOHN BUTT, 

A private in the South Middlesex Regiment of Militia, who died 
April 13th, 1798, aged 21 years ; as also ttvo others of his com- 
rades. 

Britannia's danger these her sons call'd forth, 
Her island to defend from an ambitious foe ; 

But ere their actions well could prove their worth, 
Death, unrelenting, struck his fatal blow. 

They here an earnest of their loyalty have given ; 

Angels reward them with eternal bliss in heav'n. 
2C 



202 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Yarmouth Church-yard, Norfolk, England. 

Tho' Boreas' blasts and Neptune's waves 

Have toss'd me to and fro, 
By God's decree, you plainly see, 

I harbour here below, 
Where I do now at anchor ride 

With many of our fleet ; 
And once again we must set sail, 

Our Admiral Christ to meet. 



In Andover Church-yard, Hampshire, England, 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

MATTHEW VASSEY, 



A TRAVELLER. 



In peace here rests a traveller's dust, 

His journey's at an end ; 
He prized esteem among the just, 

And censure from a friend. 



JOHN NESBIT, 

Aged 107 years, died in 1800, at Dunse, in Scotland. 

He was born in the parish of Oldhamstocks, in the county 
of East-Lothian, and entered, early in life, into the service of 
the State's General ; and was present at the siege of Bergen- 
op-Zoom, in 1747, where he was severely wounded by a bayo- 
net being thrust into his body ; in consequence of which, he 
was soon afterwards discharged. From that period to the 
day of his death, he supported himself almost wholly by his 
own industry. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 203 

The following splendid Epitaph was put on a cannon, on the top 
of a high hilly near Martha Bay, in the Island of Jamaica, 
placed there as a monument for Bradshaw, the President of the 
u Long Parliament," whose remains were buried near the spot. 

Stranger! 

Ere thou pass, contemplate this cannon; 

Nor regardless be told, 

That near its base lies deposited 

The dust of 

JOHN BRADSHAW, 

Who nobly superior to all selfish regards, 

Despising alike the pageantry of courtly splendour, 

The blast of calumny, 

And the terrors of Royal vengeance, 

Presided in the illustrious band of heroes and of patriots, 

Who fairly and openly adjudged 

CHARLES STUART, 

Tyrant of England, 

To a public and exemplary death, 

Thereby presenting to the amazed world, 

And transmitting down, through 

Applauding ages, 

The most glorious example 

Of unshaken virtue, love of freedom, and impartial justice, 

Ever exhibited on the blood-stained theatre of human action 

O Reader! 

Pass not until thou hast blest his memory; 

And never, never forget, 

that 

Rebellion to Tyrants 

is 

Obedience to God. 



204 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In the Cathedral Church, Bristol, England. 
SACRED 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

MRS. ELEANOR DANIEL, 

Who was born in Barbadoes, Nov. 22, 1737; and died at Bristol, 
the 15th of June, 1774. 

Far from her native home lies buried here, 
All that a parent's fondness could desire ; 

All that a tender husband held most dear, 

i\.ll that the wants of childhood could require. 

Such was her earthly and domestic fame ; 

But brighter virtues glow'd within her mind : 
She, during life, pursu'd a glorious aim ; 

In sickness patient, and in death resign'd. 



In the cbove Church is a new pyramidical monument, contain- 
ing, at the base, a beautiful female figure, contemplating the 
sensitive plant ; on an urn above, is the following inscription: 

IN MEMORY OF 

CATHERINE, 

Wife of John Vernon, jun. of Lincoln's Inn, London, who died 
June 3, 1794, aged 19 years. 

AND UNDERNEATH I 

Formed by nature to attract admiration, and to invite re- 
spect; lovely in her person, graceful in her manners, amiable 
in her disposition, happy to receive pleasure, and more hap- 
py to impart it. Every one was conscious of her merits but 
herself. The disease to which she fell a victim, added lustre 
to the virtues of her mind; and the submissive piety which pre- 
pared her way to heaven, taught the duty of resignation to 
her afflicted husband. 



I 

SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 205 



A SOLEMN REFLECTION ON THE 

DEATH OF A FRIEND. 

BY THE LATE WILLIAM BECKFORD, ES^. 

Written in July, 1798. 

When nature sinks exhausted to the tomb, 

And weeping friends attend th' untimely bier, 
How deeply awful is the cypress' gloom ! 

How sadly eloquent the pensive tear! 
When the last word which dust to dust conveys, 

And breath'd through fervent lips and friendly sighs ; 
vVhen its full grief the feeling heart displays, 

Which only holds a language through the eyes ; 
Ah! then the exquisite of sense awakes, 

And what was sorrow, late becomes despair ; 
The broken mind a darker passion takes, 

And sinks oppress'd, not knowing how to bear ; 
To stem afflictions and excess control, 
Demand the vigour of a Stoic soul. 



In Biggleswade Church-yard, Bedfordshire, England, 

Arise, O happy soul, arise! 

Rejoice in endless bliss! 
Open the gates of Paradise, 

Go in, and take thy place. 



In Bridlington Church-yard, Yorkshire, England, 

Vain the proud epitaph and sumptuous tomb, 
When all must rise to an impartial doom! 
Here under the blue sky and swarded o'er, 
A Christian sleeps ! can shrin'd saints do more? 



206 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

At Tiverton, in the county of Devon, England, 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

EDWARD COURTNEY, 

EARL OF DEVON, 

Surnamed the blind and good Earl, by reason of his being blind a 
considerable time before his death. 

He departed this life November 5th, A. D. 1419, and was 
interred with* his Countess in the family vault under their cha- 
pel adjoining to Tiverton Church ; to whose memory a mag- 
nificent tomb was erected with their images in alabaster, fine- 
ly gilt, on which is this curious inscription: 

Oh! Oh! who lies here? 

'Tis I, the good Earl of Devonshire ; 

With Kate my wife to mee ful dere, 

Wee lyved together fyfty-fyve yere: 

That wee spent, wee had ; 

That wee gave, wee have ; 

That wee iefte, wee loste. 



FRANCIS ROSE, 

Died in 1800, at Charter-house, Hinton, Somersetshire, Eng, 
aged 101 years. 

He was borne to the grave by five grandsons and one great 
grandson. 

In his 98th year, when in company with his son, grandson, 
great grandson, and another relation, he reaped 40 acres of 
wheat for Mr. E. Heal, late farmer of that place. Besides which, 
he walked twice every day from the field to the farm-house, 
with three gallons of ale or cider at his back ; a distance of 
two miles each journey* 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 207 

In the Cathedral Church, Bristol, England, is the monument 

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF 

ELIZABETH, 

The wife of Samuel Moody, of London, Esq. who died at the Hot- 
Wells, December 23, 1782, aged 26 years. 

Fair was her form, more fair her gentle mind, 
Where virtue, sense, and piety combin'd: 
To wedded love gave friendship's highest zest, 
Endear'd the wife, and made the husband blest. 
Now widow'd grief erects this sacred stone, 
To make her virtues and his sorrows known. 
Reader, if thine the sympathetic tear, 
O stay, and drop the tender tribute here. 



In St. Peter's Church-yard, city of Norwich, England. 

Rest, sacred shade! I bring no pompous lays 
To swell thy virtues with vain human praise : 
Bless'd with God in heaven, enjoy him still, 
On earth thy study was to do his will. 



In St. Peter's Church-yard, city of Norwich, England. 

Calm and serene to see the good man die, 
Checks the big tear that steals from sorrow's eye ; 
Approves religion, when all else is vain, 
And bids us part with hope to meet again. 
Bless'd be that hope which sooths their keen distress, 
Who thus their love eternit}^ express. 



208 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Deptford Church-yard, Kent, England. 

So fair is man, that death (a parting blast) 

Blasts his fair flower, and makes him earth at last ; 

So strong is man, that with a gaping breath, 

He totters, and bequeaths his strength to death ; 

So wise is man, that, if with death he strives, 

His wisdom cannot teach him how to live ; 

So young is man, that, broke with care and sorrow, 

He's old enough to day — to die to-morrow. 



ON THE MUCH-LAMENTED DEATH 

OF 

WILLIAM COWPER, Esq. 

Whose chaste and elegant productions will ever be entitled to our 
admiration. 

By hands unseen, to shield thy earthly bed, 
Where weeping virtues o'er thy cold turf bend, 
And mourn the early doom of their lov'd friend, 

Shall sweetest flow'rs of earliest bloom be spread. 

Here shall the village maids and youths repair ; 
Here shall the kindred soul that loves to grieve, 
Still linger o'er thy sylvan grave at eve, 

And weep thy fate. Here shall the redbreast bear 

The hoary moss and flow'rs to deck the clay 

That shields from mould'ring dews the poet's breast ; 

While, pensive wand'ring thro' the grass-grown way, 
At eve, the kindred muse, in sable drest, 

Breathes her sad dirges o'er the lifeless clay, 
And hymns with sainted voice his soul to rest. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 209 

In Basingstoke Church-yard, Hampshire, England. 

How short is life! how soon comes death! 

How fleeting are our days! 
How like the transient flower, or grass, 

All human flesh decays! 
Naked into the world we came, 

Naked go out again ; 
From earth we came, to earth return, 

This is the lot of man. 
Yet true believers, who in Christ 

A saving interest have, 
Are blest in life, and blest in death, 

And blest beyond the grave. 



IN BERMONDSEY CHURCH, SOUTHWARK, LONDON. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

EDWARD ELTON and JEREMIAH WHITAKER, 

Two eminent Puritan Divines: the former died in 1624 ; the lat- 
ter in 1654. They are both buried in the same grave in the chan- 
cel, where there is the following inscription : 

Where once the famous Elton did intrust 
The preservation of his sacred dust, 
Lies pious Whitaker, both justly twin'd ; 
Both dead, one grave; both living, had one mind: 
\ And by their dissolution, have supplied 

The hungry grave, and fame and heaven beside. 
This stone protects their bones, while fame enrols 
Their deathless names, and heaven embrace their souls. 
2 D 



210 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In East Dereham Church, Norfolk, England* 

IN MEMORY OF 

WILLIAM COWPER, Esq. 

Born in Hertfordshire, 1732 ; buried in this Church, 1800. 

Ye, who with warmth the public triumph feel 

Of talents dignified by sacred zeal, 

Here to devotion's bard, devoutly just, 

Pay your fond tribute, due to Cowper's dust 

England, exulting in his spotless fame, 

Ranks with her dearest sons his favourite name. 

Sense, fancy, wit, suffice not all to raise 

So clear a title to affection's praise: 

His highest honours to the heart belong ; 

His virtues form'd the magic of a song. 



IN HYTHE CHURCH-YARD, ENGLAND, 

TO THE 

MEMORY 

OF 

GEORGE DAWS, 

Aged 89 years. 

His net old fisher George long threw, 

Shoals upon shoals he caught, 
Till Death came hauling for his due, 

And made poor George his draught. 
Death fishes on through various shapes ; 

In vain it is to fret : 
Nor fish or fishermen escapes 

Death's all-inclosing net. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 211 

In the Abbey Churchy St. Albans, England, is the epitaph to 
the memory of 

FRANCIS BACON. 

Baron of Verulam, Viscount St. Albans, 

Or, by more conspicuous titles, 

Of Science the Light, of Eloquence the Law, 

Sat thus: 

Who, after all natural wisdom, 

And secrets of civil life, he had unfolded ; 

Nature's law fulfilled, 

Let compounds he dissolved! 

In the year of our Lord 1626 ; of his age 66. 

Of such a man that the memory might remain, 

Thomas Meautys, 

Living, his attendant ; dead, his admirer ; 

Placed this monument. 



TO THE MEMORY OF THE LATE 

Mr. COOKE, 

Who died in North America. 

Pause, thoughtful stranger! pass not heedless by, 

Where Cooke awaits the tribute of a sigh. 

Here sunk in death those powers the world admir'd, 

By nature given, not by art acquired ; 

In various parts his matchless talents shone, 

The one he failed in was, alas! his own. 

N.B. The above epitaph is not as yet inscribed on his tombstone. 



212 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Rotherhithe Church-yard, London, there is the monument 
o the memory of the Pelew Prince, Lee Boo, On his tomb 
is the following inscription: 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

PRINCE LEE BOO, 

A native of Pelew or Palas Islands, 

And son to 

Abba Thulle, Rupack or King of the Island Goo-roo-raa, 

Who departed this life the 27th of December, 1784, 

Aged 20 years. 

This stone is inscribed by the honourable East India Company 

As a testimony of the humane and kind treatment 

Afforded by his father to the crew 

Of the ship the Antelope, Capt. Wilson, 

Who was wrecked off that island 
On the night of the 9th of August, 1783. 

" Stop reader, stop, let nature claim a tear, 
A Prince of mine, Lee Boo, lies buried here." 

The following is the entry in the register of that church : 
" Prince Lee Boo buried, from Capt. Wilson's, Paradise- 
row, Dec. 29, 1784, aged 20, who fell a sacrifice to the small- 
pox. His history may be seen at large in Mr. Keate's in- 
teresting narrative of Capt. Wilson's adventures at the Pelew 
Islands." 



In Northallerton Church-yard, Yorkshire, England. 

Hicjacet Walter Gun, 

Sometime landlord of the sun ; 
Sic transit gloria mundi ! 

He drank hard upon Friday, 

That being a high day, 
Then took to his bed, and died upon Sunday. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 213 

In the College Church, Bristol, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

Mr. WILLIAM POWELL, 

An excellent Actor in Tragedy and Comedy. He built the Thea- 
tre-Royal in King-street, and died in Bristol, July 3, 1769, aged 
33 years 

Bristol! to worth and genius ever just, 
To thee our Powell's dear remains we trust: 
Soft as the streams thy sacred springs impart, 
The milk of human kindness warm'd his heart; 
That heart, which every tender feeling knew, 
The soil where pity, love, and friendship grew. 
Oh ! let a faithful heart with grief sincere 
Inscribe his tomb, and drop the heartfelt tear ; 
Here rest his praise, here sound his noblest fame, — 
All else a bubble, or an empty name. 



IN CARSHALTON CHURCH, SURRY, 

ENGLAND. 

Against the south wall of the chancel, is the following singular in- 
scription, to the memory of William Quelch, a former Vicar of 
that parish : 

"M.S. 

" Under the middle stone that guards the ashes of a cer- 
" tain Friar, sometime Vicar of this place, was raked up the 
"dust of William Quelch, B.D. who ministered in the 
" same since the Reformation. His lot was, through God's 
1 mercy, to burn." 



214 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

AT LAMBETH, NEAR LONDON. 

On the first of May, 1589, was buried Mr. Andrew Perne, 
doctor. Doctor Perne was a native of Norfolk, England, 
Dean of Ely, and Master of Peter-House, Cambridge. He is 
accused of having changed his religion four times in twelve 
years : it is acknowledged at the same time, that by his influ- 
ence he saved many innocent persons from the flames. Doc- 
tor Perne was much given to jesting, of which the following 
instance is told among many others: 

One day he happened to call a clergyman a fool, who was 
not totally undeserving of the title; but who resented the indig- 
nity so highly, that he threatened to complain to his diocesan, 
the Bishop of Ely. — " Do," says the doctor, " and he will 
confirm you." 

Fuller, the historian, tells an extraordinary story relating to 
Doctor Perne's death, which he attributes to the mortification 
he received from a jest passed upon him by the Queen's fool. 

The doctor was at court one day with Archbishop Whit- 
gift, who had been his pupil. The afternoon was rainy, yet 
the Queen was resolved to ride abroad, contrary to the incli- 
nation of the ladies of the court, who were to attend her on 
horseback. They emplo} r ed Clod, therefore, the Queen's jester, 
to dissuade her Majesty from so inconvenient a journey; Clod 
readily undertook the task, and addressed her Majesty thus: 

" Heaven dissuades you, it is cold and wet ; earth dissuades 
" you, it is moist and dirty. Heaven dissuades you, this hea- 
" venly-minded man Archbishop Whitgift ; and earth dis- 
u suades you, your fool Clod, such a lump of clay as myself; 
" and if neither will prevail, here is one who is neither hea- 
ven nor earth, but hangs between both, Dr. Perne, and he 
" also dissuades you." Hereat, says Fuller, the Queen and 
the courtiers laughed heartily, whilst the doctor looked sad- 
ly; and going over with his Grace to Lambeth, soon died. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 215 

In the College Church, Bristol, England, at the western end of 
the southern aisle, is a grand monument, to the memory of 

SIR HENRY NEWTON, Knt, 

Of Barr's Court, in the county of Gloucester, who died in 1599. 
On the monument is the following inscription: 

Courtney, Hampton, Cradock, Newton last 
Held on the measure of that ancient line 

Of Barons' blood ; full seventy years he past, 
And did in peace his sacred soul resign : 

His Christ he lov'd, he lov'd to feed the poor, 

Such love assures a life that dies no more. 



In the College Church, Bristol, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF THE 

REV. SAMUEL LOVE, A.M. 

FELLOW OF BALIOL COLLEGE, OXFORD, ENGLAND. 

When worthless grandieur decks the embellish'd urn, 

No poignant grief attends the sable bier ; 
But when distinguish'd excellence we mourn, 

Deep is the sorrow, genuine is the tear. 
Stranger! should 'st thou approach this awful shrine, 

The merits of the honour'd dead to seek ; 
The friend, the son, the christian, the divine, 

Let those who knew him, those who lov'd him speak, 
Oh! let them in some pause from anguish say, 

What zeal inspir'd, what faith enlarg'd his breast ; 
How soon th' unfetter'd spirit wing'd his way, 

From earth to heaven, from blessing to be blest. 

N. B. This production, with several others, was by the pen of Miss More. 



216 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In the College Church, Bristol, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

ELIZABETH WASTFIELD, 

WHO DIED AT THE HOT WELLS, 1770. 

Dear shade, adieu, the debt of nature's paid! 

Death's threaten'd stroke we parry'd, but in vain ; 
The healing spring no more could lend its aid, 

Med'cine no more could mitigate the pain. 






See, by her dying form, mild patience stand, 
Hope, ease, and comfort in her train she led; 

See gentle spirits waiting thy command, 
Hush her to silence on the mournful bed. 

In vain with heartfelt grief I mourn my friend, 
Fair virtue's meed is bliss without alloy : 

Blest change ! for pain, true pleasure without end ; 
For sighs and moans, a pure seraphic joy! 

When death shall that new scene to me disclose, 
When I shall quit on earth this drear abode, 

Our freed congenial spirits shall repose 
Safe in the bosom of our Saviour God. 



In the elder Lady Chapel of the above College, is a de- 
vice of a Ram, playing on a violin, with a remarkably long bow, 
and a shepherd sleeping, while a wolf is devouring the sheep. 
This proves that the use of the bow was known at the time 
of the building this most ancient part of the church, in 1148. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 217 

In East Dereham Church, Norfolk, England. 

IN MEMORY OF 

MARY, 

WIDOW OF THE REV. MORLEY UNWIN, AND MOTHER OF THE 
REV. WILLIAM CAWTHORNE UNWIN. 

Born at Ely, 1724 ; buried in this Church, 1796. 

Trusting in God with all her heart and mind, 

This woman prov'd magnanimously kind ; 

Endur'd affliction's desolating bale, 

And watch'd a poet through misfortune's vale. 

Her spotless dust, angelic guards! defend ; 

It is the dust of Unwin, Cowper's friend: 

That single title in itself is fame, 

For all who read his verse, revere her name. 



In the most beautiful and ancient Church of St. Mary, 
Redcliff, Bristol, are many very elegant monuments, one of 
which, at the southern end of the cross aisle, is erected to the 
memory of Mr. William Cannings, in his magisterial robes, 
and of Joan his wife, under a canopy handsomely carved, with 
the following inscriptions on a tablet : 

Mr. Wm. Cannings, ye richest marchant of ye toune of 
Bristow, afterwards chosen five times Mayor of the said toune, 
for the good of the Commonwealth of ye same. He was in 
the order of Priesthood seven years ; and afterwards Deane of 
Westbury, and died Nov. 7th, 1474, which said William did 
build a colledge, (with his Canons ;) and the said William did 
maintaine, by the space of eight years, 800 handicraftsmen, 
besides carpenters and masons every day 100 men.. Besides, 

No. 10 2E 



218 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

King Edward the Fourth had, of the said William, *3000 Marks 
for his peace, to be had in 2470 tonnes of shipping ; to which 
is annexed their names and burdens. 

Ye Mary Cannings 400 tonnes 

Ye Mary RedclirT 500 

Ye Mary and John 900 

Ye Galliot 150 

Ye Katharine 140 

YeMaryBatt 220 

Ye Little Nicholas 140 

Ye Margaret 200 

Ye Catharine Boston 22 

A Ship in Ireland 100 

No age, nor time, can wear out well-woon fame, 

The stones themselves a stately work doth shew; 
From senseless grave we ground men's good name, 

And noble minds by vent'rous deeds we know; 
A Lantern cleer sets forth a candell-light, 
A worthy act declares a worthy weight ; 
The building's rare, that here you mey behold, 
To 'shrine his bones deserves a tomb of gold ; 
The famous Fabricke that he here hath donne, 
Shines in its sphere as glorious as the sonne ; 
What needs more words? ye future worlde he sought, 
And set the pompe and pride, of this at nought: 
Heaven was his aim, let heaven be still his station 
That leaves such work for others' imitation. 



* This has given rise to a vulgar tradition, that he had committed piracy at sea, for which 
he was fined 3000 marks ; instead of which, the King accepted 2470 tons of shipping. The 
truth is thus: Cannings, having assisted Edwai-d the Fourth, in his necessity, with the above 
sum, the King granted him, in lieu of his loan or gift, 2470 tons of shipping, free of impost, 
as appears by the original instrument in the Exchequer. One of the Judges, who was view- 
ing the Church, and hearing the sexton relate the old story about piracy, reprimanded him 
for abusing the memory of so pious and worthy a man ; and gave this explanation of the 
passage. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 219 

IN ST. MARY'S CHURCH, REDCLIFF, BRISTOL, ENG. 

ON 

MRS. FORTUNE LITTLE, 

Who died June 26, 1777, aged 57 years. 

O could this verse her bright example spread, v 
And teach the living, while it prais'd the dead! 
Then, reader, should it speak her hope divine, 
Not to record her faith, but strengthen thine : 
Then should her every virtue stand confess'd 
Till every virtue kindled in thy breast : 
But, if thou slight the monitory strain, 
And she has liv'd, at least to thee, in vain, 
Yet let her death an awful lesson give, 
The dying Christian speaks to all that live ! 
Enough for her, that here her ashes rest, 
Till God's own plaudit shall her worth attest. 

Hannah More. 



IN ALL SAINTS' CHURCH, BRISTOL, ENGLAND, 

IS A MONUMENT TO THE MEMORY OF 

THOMAS COLESTON, Esq. 

Mayor and Alderman of that city, toho died Nov. 16, 1597. 

Death is no death, now Thomas Coleston lives, 
Who fourscore years hath lived to his praise ; 

A joyful life now Christ to him doth give, 

Who wrong'd no weight, each man commends his ways. 

Death him commands to bid the world adieu, 

Thrice happy those who die to live anew. 



220 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In St. Mary's Church, Redcliff, Bristol, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

SIR WILLIAM PENN, KNT. 

The father of Mr. Wm. Venn, who was one of the Friends, a consi- 
derable writer among them, proprietor of Pennsylvania, and 
founder of Philadelphia. 

Sir Wm. Penn, Knight, born at Bristol, 1621, of the Penns, 
of Penn's-lodge, in the county of Wilts. He was made Cap- 
tain, at 21 ; Rear-Admiral of Ireland, at 23 ; Vice- Admiral 
of England, at 31 ; and General in the first Dutch war, at 32; 
wheuce returning in 1653, he was chosen a Parliament man 
for Weymouth; in 1660, was Commissioner of the Admiralty 
and Navy, Governor of the forts and town of Kinsale, Vice- 
Admiral of Minister, and a member of that provincial Coun- 
cil ; and, in 1664, was chosen great Captain Commander un- 
der his Royal Highness, in that signal and most evidently suc- 
cessful fight against the Dutch fleet. He then took leave of the 
sea, his old element, but continued his other employ till 1669, 
when, through bodily infirmities, (contracted through the care 
and fatigue of public affairs.) he withdrew, and prepared for his 
end, and with a gentle and even gale in much peace arrived 
and anchored in his last and best port. He died at Wans- 
tead, in the county of Essex, Sept. 16, 1670, aged 49 years 
and 4 months. 



In the Cloister of the Cathedral Church, Canterbury, England. 

Tho' infant years no pompous honours claim, 
(The vain parade of monumental fame,) 
To better praise the last great day shall rear 
The peaceful innocence that slumbers here. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 221 

In Amwell Church-yard, Hertfordshire, England. 

In cottages and lonely cells 
True Piety neglected dwells ; 
Till call'd to Heav'n, its native seat, 
Where the good man alone is great ; 
'Tis then this humble dust shall rise, 
And view its Judge with cheerful eyes ; 
While guilty sinners sink afraid, 
And call the mountains to their aid. 

William Somervtlle. 



IN FOLKSTONE CHURCH, KENT, ENGLAND. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

WILLIAM LANGHORNE, A.M. 

CURATE OF FOLKSTONE, 

Who died in February, 1772, at the age of fifty-one* 

In life belov'd, in death for ever dear, 
O friend, O brother, take this parting tear! 
If Life has left me aught that asks a sigh, 
5 Tis but like thee to live, like thee to die. 

John Langhorne. 

Of Langhorne's life, be this memorial given, 
Whose race was virtue, and tflrose goal was heaven 5 
Not through the selfish, drear, unfriendly road 
Which ancient moralists and sophists trod ; 
But in an active sphere of Christian love, 
He mov'd himself, and will'd mankind to move. 
Enthusiast's confidence, or sceptic's fear, 
Affected not his equable career ; 



222 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

With evangelic eloquence be warm'd. 
With reason won us, and with meekness charm'd; 
Shew'd in his life, his converse, and his prayer, 
The friend's attachment, and the pastor's care. 
Oft would he, in the mines of ancient lore, 
Historic truth and moral truth explore ; 
Yet was his aim to dissipate the night 
Of Pagan's doubts by Revelation's light; 
The Christian's steady plan to recommend, 
Just in its source, and happy in its end. 
Thus to his flock, whom here he left behind, 
Thus to his neighbours, who were all mankind, 
He gave example to pursue with zeal 
His Saviour's steps to everlasting weal 
And in the moment of expiring breath, 
To give a test of endless joy in death. 



IN ST. MARY'S CHURCH, REDCLIFF, BRISTOL, 

ENGLAND. 

At the outside of the Church, on a marble stone, is inscribed the 
following lines, written by the late Rev. Emanuel Collins, poet 
and satirist: 

«' All flesh is grass ; and the beauty thereof as the flower of the field." 

Had restless time, whose harvest is each hour, 
Made but a pause, tc/ view this lovely flower ; 
In pity he'd have turn'd his scythe away, 
And left it blooming to a future day. 
But ruthless he mow'd on; and it, alas! 
Too soon fell with'ring with the common grass. 

The above is in memory of JOHANNA ROWLAND : beautiful in her person, equally so in 
her mind ; who quitted this earthly stage for that of sublime bliss, in the 22nd year of her age, 
1752, and lies underneath interred. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 223 

IN DOWRY-SQUARE CHAPEL, BRISTOL, ENGLAND. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

MRS. SARAH STONEHOUSE. 

Come, Resignation, wipe the human tear, 

Domestic anguish drops o'er Virtue's bier ; 

Bid selfish Sorrow hush the fond complaint, 

Nor from the God she lov'd detain the Saint. 

Truth, meekness, patience, honour'd shade ! was thine, 

And holy hope, and charity divine : 

Tho' these thy forfeit-being could not save, 

Thy faith subdu'd the terrors of the grave. 

Oh! if thy living excellence could teach, 

Death has a loftier emphasis of speech ; 

In death thy last, best lesson still impart, 

And write " prepare to die" on every heart. 



BE SERIOUS. 

Sir Francis Walsingham, Secretary of State to Queen 
Elizabeth, when some of his visiters, who were gay and fro- 
licsome, observed to him that " he was serious," he replied, 
" Life is serious ! — Death is serious ! — Time is serious ! — Eter- 
nity is serious ! — Heaven and Hell are serious ! — How, then, 
should I be gay?" 



In St. PauVs Church-yard, Bedford, England, 

O envied babe ! O happy soul ! 

Thy loss we cannot mourn : 
At thought of thee and thy blest fate, 

Our hearts with rapture burn. 



224 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

IN SEFTON CHURCH, LANCASHIRE, ENGLAND, 

Is to be seen this ancient and singular inscription : 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

SIR RICHARDE MOLYNEUX, KNIGHTE, 

AND 

DAME ELENORE his Wyffe, 

WHOSE SOULES GOD p'dON 

Dame Worshope was my guide in life, 

And did my doinges guide ; 
Dame Wertue left me not alone, 

When soule from bodye hyed. 
And thoughe that deathe with dinte of darte 

Hath brought my corps on sleepe, 
The eternall God my eternall soule 

Eternally doethe kepe. 

Sir Richard Molyneux died in 1439. 



In Clifton Church-yard, near Bristol, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF GEORGE LEWIS, 

Who was drowned in the river Seve?m, on Sunday, November 6th 9 
1774, aged 16 years. 

As some young pine, of aspect tall and fair, 
That promis'd to reward the planter's care, 
Pleas'd he beheld it answering his toil, 
Thrive and proclaim the goodness of the soil ; 
When all at once a whirlwind blasts his care, 
Tears up his plant, and scatters it in air. 
So far'd it with the youth we here deplore, 
O'erwhelm'd at once, and drowned near the shore 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 225 

The crazy boat, unable to sustain 

Her swelling sail, is buried in the main. 

In vain for him his friends explore the deep, 

In vain with nets the treach'rous bottom sweep ; 

For six long months the sport of every wave, 

His floating body sought in vain a grave ; 

But toss'd from rock to rock, from sand to sand, 

Till a kind pilot tow'd his corpse to land: 

Nor should for this his friends indulge despair, 

But with this consolation wipe the tear : 

" That the same God is present every where ; 

And the strait gate that leads to endless bliss 

Stands on the air, the earth, and great abyss ; 

Nor could a youth like this mistake his way, 

Had he sat out from Lapland or Cathay." 



In Westminster Abbey, London, 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

LORD JOHN RUSSELL, 

SON AND HEIR TO FRANCIS, EARL OF BEDFORD. 

Composed by his Lady. 

Right noble twice, by virtue and by birth, 
Of Heaven lov'd, and honour'd on the earth ; 
His country's hope, his kindred's chief delight; 
My husband dear (more than this world's right,) 
Death hath me rob'd; but I from death will take 
His memory, to whom this tomb I make : 
John was his name ; Ah! wretched must I say? 
Lord Russell once, but now his thirsty clay. 
2 F 



226 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 



TO THE MEMORY OF THE 



RIGHT HON. GEORGE, 

EARL OF TYRCONNEL, VISCOUNT CARLINGFORD, BARON CAR- 
ENTER, AID-DE-CAMP TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE 
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, A CAPTAIN IN THE FIRST 
REGIMENT OF FOOT GUARDS, AND SECRETARY 
TO LORD CATHCART IN THE EMBASSY 
TO ST. PETERSBURGH. 

He died at Wilna, Dec. 20, 1812, aged 24 years, and to whose 
remains Field Marshal Prince Kutonsoff Smolensko directed 
that a monument should be erected in the church of the Reform- 
ed religion, with the inscription as below : 

While o'er thy bier, amid his victor bands, 

Smolensko's Prince a pious mourner stands ; 

He bids to raise the monumental stone, 

To tell how rare Tyrconnel's virtues shone ; 

O worth, too early to thy country lost! 

Yet, thus attested, 'tis thy country's boast. 

At Wilna's altar, lo! her genius bends — 

Thy Cathcart there to Heav'n that zeal commends, 

Which burn'd beyond its strength — which scorn'd repose, 

To win the deathless titles from her foes. 

Ah ! though the wreath she cull'd to grace thy brow, 

(So watching thy return) avail not now, 

A brighter halo circles round thy fame, 

Where Angels greet thee with a Patriofs name; 

Whence thy freed soul the envied comfort draws — 

T' have died the death most honour'd in her cause; 

While such thy triumph, this sure hope inspires, 

" Ev'n in our ashes live their wonted fires." 

Charles P. Myddleton, A.M. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 227 



VERY REMARKABLE DEATH. 



In Dec. 1797, a very remarkable death happened at Littleton, in Middlesex, England : A 
young- woman, whose sister is the wife of Mr. Wood's bailiff, came to make her a visit 5 after 
some little time, she fell into a strong convulsion-fit. On recovering from it she exclaimed, 
" I am damned !— I see, I feel the flames of Hell all around me !"' Her friends concluded that 
a sudden frenzy had seized her 5 medical aid was immediately sent for ; she assured them that 
she was not mad, but that she was A MURDERER ! This (as she had always been a young 
woman of remarkably good character) confirmed the opinion that it was frenzy ; when she 
began the following shocking tale: "This time three years I came ovei from my father's to 
attend my sister here while she lay-in of that fine little child below. Very soon after she was 
brought to bed, I fell in labour. I went out into an out-house, where, in little more than an 
hour, I was delivered of a fine beautiful boy. I looked at it some little time, then pinched its 
throat till I killed it. I then wrapped it up, carried it into the house, and locked it into my 
box ; went to my sister, asked how she did, then went down to the nurse and assisted her. 
After a fortnight I took my murdered infant out of my box, and threw it into the common 
horse-pond by the road side, where it was soon trod to pieces ; and I have never had one hap- 
py, no, not one easy minute since ; and now the sight of my sister's sweet little lively child 
playing about distracts me; for, I think that, if it had not been for my dreadful wickedness, 
I might now have had one also. But I murdered it ; and I am going to Hell for it." Upon 
recollection and conference it appeared that she had been missing an hour and a half at the 
time she mentioned, and could not be found. She also told them, that, in consequence of 
her milk, she had two broken breasts 5 for cure of which, she applied to a surgeon in the 
neighbourhood, who said to her, •' If I did not know you, and know that you are a young wo- 
man of such extraordinary good character, I should swear that you bad borne a child." 

She soon after married a young man who had courted her some time. She said, that, some 
time after hei marriage, her husband asked her what became of her pregnancy previous to 
their marriage ? To which, she said, she replied, " It never came to good." It surely came 
to evil for all parties. Immediately upon this, a physician of the soul was sent for, and, soon 
two more divines ; all, or at lpast some one, earnestly exhorted her to fly to Christ, shewing 
or rather endeavouring to shew her, the gracious promises of the Redeemer to all who 
will come to him — " Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out" — " Though your sins 
be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow ; though they be red as crimson, they shall be 
as wool ;" Isaiah. But-, alas ! for her, poor unhappy woman, she was not enabled to come ; 
for, her uniform reply was, when she was entreated to cry to the Lord Jesus for mercy and 

pardon, "I cannot even name his name! — I cannot utter it!— I am d d to all eternity! 

I see, I feel the flames of Hell within and all around me!" Thus died this unhappy woman 
of, as said all about her, no disorder but a wounded spirit 5 not having, as the medical men 
who attended her said, any bodily disorder — only the horrible agonies of her mind! 



228 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 



In Beverley Church-yard, Yorkshire, England. 

Here two Danish soldiers lie ; 
The one in quarrel chanc'd to die ; 
The other's head, by their own law, 
With sword was sever'd at one blow. 



In Havant Church-yard, Hampshire, England. 

Midst promis'd hopes and expectation fair, 
(Empty, alas! and fleeting as the air,) 
Relentless death the gentle youth destroys, 
And shews the vanity of human joys. 
Let us by virtue then our conduct steer, 
That we, at mortal hour, may know no fear. 



In Grantham Church-yard, Lincolnshire, England. 

The blast that nipt my youth will conquer thee, 
It strikes the bud, the blossom, and the tree. 
Since life is short, and Death is always nigh, 
On many years to come let none rely : 
The present time learn wisely to employ, 
That thou mayst gain eternal life and joy. 



In Uffington Church-yard, Oxfordshire, England. 

When children die in infancy, 
Like flowers newly blown, 

God that sent them only lent them, 
And takes them for his own. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 229 

In Penzance Church-yard, Cornwall, England. 

ON AN INFANT, 
Who died soon after its parents. 

Spectator, mark death's quick pursuit; 
For first the trees, but now the fruit: 
But his attempts shall prove in vain, 
For fruit and trees shall spring again. 



TO THE MEMORY OF THE 

REV. ISAAC TEALE, A.M. 

Frail man, thro' life's uncomfortable gloom, 
What evils doth thy throbbing bosom know! 

Alas! 'till swallow'd in the sadder tomb, 

Nought but distracting Doubt, and wasting Woe. 

Faint Hope, in vain, her glimm'ring lamp supplies, 
In vain we fondly deem our bliss secure ; 

Still all the road thro' disappointment lies, 
And bright illusions make our ruin sure. 

On Scythian wilds, by midnight's fearful hour, 
The traveller thus, some treacherous light descries 

And, blessing heaven, his dangers now are o'er, 
A victim to the bloody Robber dies. 

From wealth, from grandeur, what enjoyments flow, 
Go bid the wealthy, and the great declare ; 

And they will tell thee, on the princely brow, 
The wreath's oft blighted by the blast of care. 



230 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

i 

Ev'n in the vale, where Pomp's obsequious train, 
And fortune's glare ne'er glitter on the eye, 

Ev'n there, the storm-fraught cloud, and cruel pain 
Fade ev'ry bloom, and poison ev'ry joy. 

In Love's allurements would'st thou seek relief, 
Pale fear arises, and distrust abhor'd ; 

And should sweet friendship come to calm each grief, 
The envious Sister cuts the golden cord. 

Ah! whither Muses, whither are ye fled! 

To what lov'd haunt your footsteps would ye turn! 
Will ye not mourn your fav'rite Poet dead, 

Will ye not bathe with tears his humble urn! 

Sweet were his strains, as fame to virtue's ear, 
Soft as the dying gale the groves among ; 

Enamour'd Echo bade each mountain hear, 
And pleas'd Aqualta smoother flow'd along. 

Oft round those solemn banks, now sacred made, 
Together we explor'd the classic page ; 

Courted coy Science in the pensive shade, 
And laugh'd at impotence of ignorant rage. 

Foe to mad Party, Friend to human kind, 
On Reason's solid base serene he trod ; 

Ne'er fancy'd Heav'n to one small sect confin'd, 
But own'd the God of Nature, — Nature's God. 

Who'er thou art, who, by retirement, shewn 

Where the lone tree nods o'er his mournful bier, 

That which He paid to sorrows not his own, 
Oh! pay to him, — the tribute of a tear. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 231 

In Leigh Church-yard, Essex, England, 

Paternal love inscribes the early tomb 

Of youthful beauty faded in its bloom : 

Fair was her outward form, nor less her mind, 

'Twas sweet, engaging, dutiful and kind ; 

But the hand of God, so wise and just, 

Smote the fair flower, and brought it to the dust. 

Cease then each murmuring thought, our souls be still, 

And bow, submissive, to His holy will ; 

Trust but in him, most surely we shall find \ 

God, ne'er mistaken, was not yet unkind. 



ON THE DEATH OP 



HENRY KIRKE WHITE. 



Didst thou not hear that melancholy toll, 

Which shook but now the circumambient sky? 
Alas! it call'd him to the appointed goal, 

Where he must shroud and with oblivion lie! 
Thrice happy Youth! and art thou ever fled, 

From worldly scenes to realms unknown below? 
The pure expansive paths of Heaven to tread, 

Where Pleasure reigns remote from every woe? 
Yes! thou art gone to those celestial plains — 

Those argent fields, where Truth and Virtue dwell j 
Where thy rapt hand, purg'd of its mortal stains, 

Shall sweep sublimely an etherial shell! 
O! that like thine my lorn dejected sprite, 
Could hail the scource of everlasting light. 



232 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

FUNERAL PROCESSION OF SIR JOHN LAFOREY WHO WAS IN- 
TERRED IN ENGLAND, 1796. 

June of the yellow fever, at sea, on board the Majes- 
tic, of 74 guns, in which he was coming home from the West 
Indies, two days before she made the land, Sir John Laforey, 
admiral of the Blue. He was made a post-captain in 1758; 
a rear-admiral in 1789 ; a vice-admiral in 1793 ; a baronet 
in 1794 ; and an admiral in 1795 On the 21st his remains 
were interred at Portsmouth with grand military honours. 
The following memorandum was issued from the Royal Wil- 
liam, the flag-ship of Admiral Sir Peter Parker, the port-ad- 
miral : 

" Royal William, at Spithead, June 19. 
' Mem. It being my intention to pay the deceased Admi- 
ral Sir John Laforey, Bart, every military honour due to an 
officer of his high rank, at his funeral on Tuesday next, the 
21st instant, the flag-officers and captains of the fleet are to 
assemble on-board the Majestic at ten o'clock in the morning 
of that day, and to attend the procession in the following or- 
der, viz. 

A twelve-oared cutter, with the marine band. 
Barge with three > Corpse, ( Barge with three 

captains, pall- > in a barge, < captains, pall- 
bearers, ) the crew dressed. { bearers. 
Admiral Sir Peter Parker, bart. chief mourner. 
Rear-admiral Sir Roger Curtis, bart. 
Vice-admiral Colpoys. 
Rear-admiral Bligh. 
The 8th captain in seniority. The 7th captain in seniority. 
10th ditto. 9th ditto. 
12th ditto. 11th ditto. 
The remainder of the post-captains, according to seniority, 
two and two 
Commanders in like order. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 233 

The flags and pendants in the different boats to be hoisted 
only half-staff. 

As soon as the procession begins from the Majestic, the flag- 
ships and all his Majesty's ships and vessels at Spithead and 
in Portsmouth harbour are to strike their flags and colours 
half-mast, following the example of the Royal William in stri- 
king the same, and hoisting them again. The Majestic to fire 
minute-guns when the boats are at a proper distance, and con- 
tinue doing so until the Royal William hoists her flag to the 
mast-head. The Majestic only to keep her flag and colours 
half-mast till sun-set. The ships near which the procession 
passes are to man the shrouds, the crews with their hats off, 
and turn out a guard, presenting their arms, but not to beat 
the drum or cheer ; and the boats which row are to land in 
regular succession at the sally-port. The procession to move 
thence in the following order, viz. 

A guard of marines, with arms reversed. 
Marine and militia bands of music. 
Chaplains of the fleet, two and two. 
Capt. Westcott, of the Majestic. 
Officers of that ship, two and two. 
Late admiral's surgeon. Physician of the fleet. 

Mr. Maxwell, secretary to the Mr. Dick, secretary to 

commander in chief. the late admiral. 

Chaplain of the garrison. 
The Corpse, carried by twelve bargemen. 
Pall-bearers. Pall-bearers. 

Capt. Whitshead, Capt. Thomas, 

Sir C. Cotten, bart. Capt. Dodd, 

Capt. Hamilton, Capt. Nugent. 

Admiral Sir Peter Parker, bart. chief mourner. 
Right Hon. Gen. Sir W. A. Pitt, K. B, 
Vice-admiral Colpoys. 
2G 



234 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

Rear-admiral Sir Roger Curtis, bart. 
Major-general Wemyfs. 
Rear-admiral Bligh. 
Post-captains according to seniority, 
two and two. 
Commanders in like order. 
Lieutenants of the fleet the same. 
As many lieutenants as can be spared from the duty of each 
ship, and all the chaplains of the fleet, to assemble at the Foun- 
tain-inn, in time to join the procession when the body is land- 
ed at the sally-port. The commission-officers to wear their 
uniforms, with crape round their arms ; the admirals and cap- 
tains in their new frock-uniforms. It is expectd that a pro- 
found silence be observed, and that every person strictly attend 
to precedence, agreeably to the above arrangement. 

P. Parker, 
Admiral and commander in chief, &zc. 

To the respective flag-officers, captains, and commanders of 
his Majesty's ships and vessels at Spithead and in Ports- 
mouth harbour." 



In Keynton Church-yard, Herefordshire, England. 

If virtue could avert the shaft of fate, 
Or innocence protract this mortal date ; 
If gentleness could sooth the hand of death, 
Or tears of friends detain the fleeting breath ; 
This lovely Youth had not so soon become 
The silent tenant of a cheerless tomb : 
But all-disposing Heav'n, who thus thought fit, 
Prepar'd his soul, and taught him to submit. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 235 

In Newark-upon-Trent Church-yard, County of Nottingham, 
England. 

Before our Sov'reign Lord of all, 
With pensive minds we humbly fall, 

And kiss our Father's rod ; 
Hoping, that when our lives shall cease, 
To meet our babes in perfect peace, 

And praise our Saviour God. 



In Alton Church-yard, Hampshire, England. 

Such spotless souls in blissful regions rest, 
And with new glories are forever blest ; 
For, fix'd in virtue, they resign their breath, 
In native innocence they welcome death. 



IN ST. BRIDE'S CHURCH, FLEET-STREET, LONDON. 

NEAR THE FOOT OF THIS PILLAR LYETH THE BODY OF 

THOMASIN, 

Late wife of HENRY DOVE, Doctor of Divinity, and Vicar of 
this parish. 

Ob. Jan. 10, 1678, aged 23. 

So 'tis, she's gone! farewell to alj 
Vain mortals do perfection call j 
To beauty, goodness, modesty, 
Sweet temper, and true piety. 
The rest an Angel's pen must tell ; 
Long, long beloved dust, farewell! 
The blessings which we highest prize 
Are soonest ravish'd from our eyes. 



236 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

:v • — 

IN NEWARK-UPON-TRENT CHURCH-YARD, 

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, ENGLAND. 

Resign'd to God, we here to earth commend 
A tender Mother, and a constant Friend: 
Blest are the children who such mothers have, 
As smile in death, and triumph o'er the grave. 
These lines shall stand a trihute due to worth, 
And all who imitate are blest on earth. 



THE FOLLOWING BEAUTIFUL LINES ARE FROM THE ELEGANT PEN OP 
DR. DARWIN. 

TO THE MEMORY OF DR. SMALL, 

And inscribed on a monument erected to Ms memory in a sequestered 
Grove, at Soho, near Birmingham, England, in 1802. 

Ye gay and young, who, thoughtless of your doom, 

Shun the mournful mansions of the dead, 
Where melancholy broods o'er many a tomb, 

Mould'ring beneath the yew's unwholesome shade ; 
If, chance, ye enter these sequester'd groves, 

And day's bright sunshine for awhile forego, 
Oh leave to Folly's cheek the laughs and loves, 

And give one hour to philosophic woe! 
Here, while no titled dust, no sainted bone, 

No lover weeping over beauty's bier, 
No warrior frowning in historic stone, 

Extorts your praises, or requests your tear; 
Cold Contemplation leans her aching head, 

On human woe her steady eye she turns, 
Waves her meek hand, and sighs for science dead, 

For science, virtue, and for Small, she mourns. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 237 

In Farringdon Church-yard, Berkshire, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF THOMAS FRUDUE, 

Who lost his life on the 9th day of January, 1798, aged 41 years. 
His death was occasioned by his falling into a gravel pit on com- 
ing to his house much intoxicated on a dark night. 

From life's gay prospects in a moment torn, 

I left this world, my wife and babes forlorn ; 

My steps envelop'd in the shades of night, 

O'er the rocky steep's stupendous height 

Headlong I fell, unconscious of my fate, 

Nor dream'd that Death did there in ambush wait ; 

All night within this fatal pit I lay, 

And tyrant Death deny'd another day ; 

Physicians vainly strove my life to save, 

The die was cast — I sank into the grave. 



A VERY SINGULAR WILL. 

THE FOLLOWING CURIOUS BEQUESTS ARE CONTAINED IN THE 
WILL OF THOMAS ROBINSON, LATE OF ROEBARTON, NEAR 
TAUNTON, IN SOMERSETSHIRE, ENGLAND. 

" All my property in the stocks I give to the assistance of 
government ; it is my voluntary contribution to the defence of 
the nation ; and I appoint the governor and cashier of the 
bank of England executors and trustees ; and I trust they 
will have it placed to the proper account immediately after 
my death. All I have in Taunton, in money or goods of any 
kind, I give to my servant Elizabeth Clark, in requital for 
her taking care of me during two long illnesses, the first of 
which was caused by poison given me by Miss Hannah Shute, 
which took out all my teeth, caused two imposthumes, and 
from which I recovered by miracle by a milk diet." He died 
in 1802. 



238 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Bicester Church-yard, Oxfordshire, England. 

Almighty God! we all on thee do wait, 
As servants waiting at their master's gate ; 
We sue for pardon, Lord, till thou forgive, 
For at thy pleasure all must die or live. 



In Henley-upon-Thames Church-yard, Oxfordshire, England. 

Interr'd unseen, insensible and dumb, 
Dust, dirt, and ashes, lie beneath this tomb: 
Where I was born, or died, it matters not, 
To whom related, or by whom begot ; 
A mould'ring corpse is the remains of me, 
'Tis all I am, and what mankind must be. 



IN HAFOD NEW CHURCH, IN CARDIGANSHIRE, WALES. 

MARIAMNE JOHNES, 

The only daughter and presumptive heiress of Thomas Johies, Esq. 
She died July 4th, 1811, in the 27th year of her age. 

When at the holy altar's foot is given 

The blushing maiden to th' enamour'd youth, 
Whose long-tried honour, constancy, and truth, 

Yield the fair promise of an earthly heaven ; 

Though to far distant fields and country led, 

Fond parents triumph 'mid the tears they shed. 

Shall we then grieve that a celestial spouse 
Hath torn this virgin treasure from our sight, 
To share the glories of th' eternal light, 

The end of all our prayers and all our vows? 

We should rejoice, but cannot as we ought 

Great God! forgive th' involuntary fault. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 239 

In Charmouth Church-yard, Dorsetshire, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

JAMES WARDEN Esq. 

Who fell in a duel the 28th of April, 1792, in the 56th year of 
his age. 

Dear victim of imperious honour's laws, 

Those impious laws inexorably stern ; 
Whose honours friendship views with shudd'ring pause, 

And love, connubial, shall for ever mourn. 
Lamented victim of the unbodied mind! 

Aught of the world it left should haply know, 
And watch with tenderest sympathy refin'd 

The friends it lov'd, the scenes it priz'd below, 
What pleasure, mix'd with sadness, must be thine, 

To see thy own Eliza's faithful tear 
Profusely bathing thy memorial shrine, 

Which to thy name unfeign'd affection rear! 
Adieu ! in one alarming moment torn, 

By ruffian rage, from her thy soul held dear, 
Until the dawning of that awful morn, 

When the rous'd dead their Saviour's voice shall hear* 



THE WIDOW PALMER, 

OP ST. MARTIN'S, STAMFORD, ENGLAND. 

Died in 1802, aged 100 years. 

Her brother and sister died this year ; the former aged 75, 
the latter aged 87. Two other brothers also within these three 
years ; the one 95, the other 77 ; their father attained the age 
of 103 ; and the surviving brother is 88 years of age. 



240 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Isleworth Church-yard, Middlesex, England. 

Here unaffected goodness, modest worth, 
Now sleeps in peace enclos'd in kindred earth ; 
Sickness and pain she bore with soul serene, \ 
And left, without a groan, this earthly scene ; 
By faith supported pass'd Death's gloomy way, 
And sought the realms of everlasting day. 



In Wisbeach Church-yard, Cambridgeshire, England. 

Has death inwrapp'd thee in the cloud of night, 

Whilst Youth, Hope, Pleasure, gleam'd their cheerful ray? 
So fades Aurora's ineffectual light 

When the pale morning blushes into day. 
See, by his dying form mild Patience stand, 

Composing Agony with healing wing ; 
Hope, Ease, and Comfort, wait on her command, 

And o'er the mournful bed sweet requiems sing. 
Care, Pain, and Death, terrific gleam no more, 

But seem to pave a golden way to Heaven ; 
The race to reach the destin'd goal is o'er ; 

The toil is ended, and the prize is given. 



In Henley ~wp on-Thames Church-yard, Oxfordshire, England. 

When once the spotless infant's soul is fled, 
In vain are all the tears that can be shed ; 
Friends must submit when time and death do call, 
For youth and age have both a spring and fall. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 241 



THE FOLLOWING EPITAPH WAS WRITTEN IN 1802, 
BY AMBROSE PITMAN, ESQ. 

TO be inscribed on the tomb of the late JOHN CARTER, Esq. of Bedgbury Park, Gouldhurtt, 
in the county of Kent, England. 

Whate'er imagination fondly feigns 

Of fabled virtue, visionary worth, 
Within this tomb rests the rever'd remains 

Of one, who realized them from his birth: 
From earliest youth to life's declining day, 

To him the will, as well as pow'r, was giv'n ; 
The gift he exercis'd with modest sway, 

As the vicegerent of all-seeing Heav'n. 
Tears of regret in sympathy we give, 

Since such superior excellence must die: 
Yet, dear to memory wilt thou ever live, 

Blest shade! whose meed is immortality 
A life, like thine, O Carter! honourably spent, 
Raises by worth and virtue the best monument. 



IN UPWAY CHURCH-YARD, DORSETSHIRE, 

ENGLAND. 

Eliza, farewell! no power nor skill could save 
Thy various merits from the untimely grave! 
In vain thy friends and hapless husband strove 
To stay thee here by all the ties of love; 
But a mighty fright took thee hence away, 
And leaves us weeping o'er thy lifeless clay : 
But let not then thy sorrowing friends repine, 
For Heaven, the meed of virtue, shall be thine. 
No. 11 2H 



242 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

FN ABERCONWAY CHURCH- YARD, WALES. 

THE FOLLOWING CURIOUS EPITAPH IS INSCRIBED: 

Here lies in an horizontal position, 

the 'outside case' of 

'Peter Griffiths, Watchmaker,' 

Whose abilities, in that line, were an honour 

to his profession ; 

Integrity was the 'main spring,' 

and prudence the 'regulator' 

of all the actions of his life. 

Humane, generous, and liberal, 

his hand never stopped, 

till he had relieved distress. 

So nicely regulated were all his ' motions,' 

that he seldom went wrong, 

except when ' set a-going' 

by people 

who did not know ' his key ;' 

even then, he was easily 

'set right' again. 

He had the art of disposing his time so well, 

that his 'hours' glided away 

'in one continued round' 

of pleasure and delight, 

till an unlucky 'minute' put 

a period to his existence. 

He departed this life, 'wound up' 

in hopes of being 'taken in hand' 

'by his Maker,' 

and of being thoroughly ' cleaned, repaired, and 

set a-going' 

in the world to come. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 243 

ANTHONY NOBLE, 

OF MILTOWN, NEAR DUBLIN, IRELAND 

Died in 1 790, aged 115 years. 

This very old man was gardener to Henry Bevan, Esq. 
and worked in the garden till within a few days of his death. 



In St. Pancrass* Church-yard, Chichester, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

RUTH ANDREWS, 

Aged 24 years. 

Of manners gentle and of sense refin'd, 
Of nature artless, and an humble mind ; 
In this fair shrine no raging passions dwelt, 
No hatred — save of vice- — this bosom felt ; 
True to her God, she knew no anxious doubt, 
All being calm within, and calm without. 
Of this sweet flower the day, alas! was brief 
At morn, her parents' joy, — at eve, their grief; 
For them, too soon her pious labours cease, 
Her lboks persuasive, and her words were peace ; 
The paths of peace yet not in vain she trod, 
Peace is her own — the eternal peace of God. 



In fVoodbom Church-yard, Dorsetshire, England. 

In toil they trod the path of life, 

Just, careful man, and frugal wife; 

Of friendly mien they liv'd esteem'd, 

From sin, through Christ, let's hope redeemU 



244 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

MARY TENCH, 

OF CRUMLIN, IN IRELAND ; DIED IN 1790, AGED 100 YEARS. 

Her father lived to the age of one hundred and four years, 
her mother to that of ninety-six, and her uncle to the age of 
one hundred and ten. She left two sisters, whose ages, 
added together, make one hundred and seventy years. 



In St. Nicholas' Church-yard, Colchester, Essex, England. 

If modest youth with cool reflection crown'd, 
And every op'ning virtue blooming round, 
Could save a parents' dearest pride from fate, 
Or add another genius to the state ; 
This mournful stone could not have claim'd a tear, 
Or sadlv told how many hopes lie here. 



JOSEPH PEALE, 

OF MARYPORT, CUMBERLAND, ENGLAND ; 

Died in 1790, aged 107 years. 

This extraordinary person, who resigned his breath in the 
same cottage he received it, was an apprentice to a rope-ma- 
ker, in Whitehaven, in the reign of Queen Anne, from whence 
being impressed, he served in the wars during her reign. 
He afterwards married, and had twelve children by one wife, 
who died several years before him ; and he never suffered him- 
self to be shaved after that period. His chief attendant, for 
many years past, was a maiden daughter, who, at his death, 
was eighty years of age. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 245 

In St PauVs Church-yard, Bedford, England. 

Our life contains a thousand springs, 

And dies, if one be gone ; 
Strange, that a harp of thousand strings 

Will keep in tune so long. 



In Great Yarmouth Church-yard, England. 

Relentless death has snatch'd her from my arms, 
O gentle mother earth receive her charms! 
Within thy bosom easy let her sleep, 
Her sacred dust shall blossom in the deep. 



In Limpeter Church-yard, North Wales, 

Lo ! where a mother seeks repose, 

And close by her dear infants lie, 
Waiting the hour that shall disclose 

Them once more to her ravish'd eyes. 
Wretched, in all youth's gaudy bloom, 

She saw those little babes expire ; 
Then quick pursued them to the tomb, — 

Dear objects of her soul's desire! 

Bereav'd, sweet innocents, of you 

How low she droop'd! — how soon she died! 
Was e'er maternal love more true, - 

Or more, alas! severely tried? 
Hence let the tributary tear, 

Stream from each eye that reads this verse ; 
And, oh! ye tender mothers, here 

In sighs your sympathy rehearse. 



246 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Bicester Church-yard, Oxfordshire, England, 

In steadfast hope of that glad day, 
Here lies entomh'd my weary clay: 
Reader — awake, believe, repent, 
Thy hours, as mine, are only lent ; 
The day is hastening, when, like me, 
Thou, too, shall dust and ashes be; 
Forsake thy sins, in Christ believe, 
And thou shalt surely with him live. 



IN THE HIGH CHURCH BURYING-GROUND, 

HULL, YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND. 

Almighty wisdom hath pronounc'd it just 
That we should mingle with our native dust ; 
Yet, with this promise, that he will us raise 
To our confusion, or his nobler praise. 
When mortals immortality shall claim, 
Then shall the righteous glorify his name, 
Who did for them his Soq a ransom give, 
Caus'd him to die, that sinful souls might live. 
So when we from this dust of death arise 
To claim our heavenly mansion in the skies, 
Let each one make this his only plea, 
■" Jesus, my Saviour, liv'd and died for me." 



In St. foes' Church-yard, Huntingdonshire, England. 

Fix not thy mind on earth's poor empty toys, 
But fix thy soul on Heaven's eternal joys ; 
And be prevail 'd upon, while thou hast time, 
Wisely to choose what's lasting and divine, 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 247 

In Great Yarmouth Church-yard, England, 

Nature gives way, the tottering fabric reels, 
And strong convulsion through his vitals feels ; 
His sick'ning body rack'd with inward pain, 
Tumultuous roll'd the blood through every vein ; 
Each nerve relax'd, and all his vigour spent, 
While nature struggled for the great event ; 
The healing art could no assistance give, 
Death was his hope, for he'd no hope to live: 
But now he's gone, we hope his soul is flown 
To meet his Saviour near the glorious Throne. 



In St. Matthews' Church-yard, Ipswich, Suffolk, England. 

O! snatch'd forever from our ling'ring view, 
O! deign to take our long, our last adieu, 
Lamented shade! this pity to receive, 
5 Tis all the living to the dead can give : 
And when at last the hand of welcome death 
Shall close our eyes, and fate suppress our breath;, 
We'll bless the gale that wafts us to the shore 
Where bliss unites, and death can part no more. 



In Kingston Church-yard, Hampshire, England, 

Reader! whoe'er thou art, consider well, 
That death conducts the soul to Heaven or hell ; 
The man who toils in sin's accursed chains 
Shall die, to live in everlasting pains ; 
But he who flies to Jesus' blood by faith, 
Shall conquer sin, and triumph over death. 



248 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In All Saints' Church-yard, Hertford, England, 

With steady purpose fraught, and pious skill, 
To trace life's duties, and its claims fulfil ; 
Her guiltless heart could every foe defy, 
And boast unbroken each endearing tie ; 
For know, that heart rever'd the righteous power, 
Who views the social and the silent hour ; 
Cheer'd by past scenes, by faith was ever blest, 
And train'd by transient woes for endless rest. 



In Manningtree Church-yard, Essex, England. 

Go, blest belov'd, and to thy heaven ascend, 
Whilst here thy loving wife and kindred bend ; 
Too early lost, just in the bloom of youth — 
Go, noblest pattern of exalted truth ; 
Absolv'd from earth, that peaceful shore ascend, 
Where love inhabits — love that knows no end. 



In Leigh Church-yard, Essex, England. 

Dear loving, faithful partner, now farewell, 
With whom it was my happiness to dwell ; 
To whom I was united heart with heart, 
From whom it was so painful thus to part! 
Yet shall the gracious hand that took thee hence, 
By love divine, thy absence recompense ; 
Prepare me for the bliss thou hast, — and then 
Eternity unite us both again. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 249 

In Ml Saints' Church-yard, Leicester, England, 

When man is rack'd with dire disease and pain, 
What wish can rise that life should still remain? 
Gay worldly baubles keep the world a slave, 
And fear still flies a state beyond the grave. 



In Scarborough Church-yard, Yorkshire, England, 

Here safely moor'd among the peaceful dead, 
And from his labours rests his weary head ; 
No waves of trouble roll across his breast, 
Nor gusts of sorrow more disturb his rest. 



IN TIVERTON CHURCH, DEVONSHIRE, ENGLAND, 

Is the following curious and ancient inscription, to the memory of 
Mr. John Waldron, merchant. 

John Waldron and Richard his wyfe 
Builded this house* in time of their lyfe; 
At such time as the walls were fourtyne feet hye 
He departed this world even the eighty nth of July 

ON another part belonging to the same. 
Since youth and lyfe doth pas awaye, 

And death at hand to end our dayes, 
Let us do so, that men may saye, 

We spent our goods God for to prayse. 
Depart thy goods whilst thou hast tyme, 
For after death they are not thyne. 
Died July 18th, 1579. 



* Alluding to the alms-house that was begun to be built by the said John Waldron, who 
died before it was finished. 

21 



250 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES^ 

In Ml Saints' Church-yard, Hertford, England. 

From youthful life, with all its dazzling toys, 
Arrested by the cold chill hand of death, 

In hopes of purer, more substantial joys, 
She cheerfully resign'd her latest breath*, 

Quitted earth's bustling scenes, that shore to gain, 

Where heavenly bliss and peace eternal reign. 



In Basingstoke Church-yard, Hampshire, England. 

When scarce the lips could move the voice he heard, 
Affection's tribute was the parting word ; 
Without a sigh from earth to heaven she rose 
To her own purity and sweet repose, 
Where innocence and love united reign — 
Maria lives, and is herself again. 



In St. Mary^s Church-yard, Bedford, England. 

In every storm thy safety to ensure, 
Those two great anchors of the soul secure — 
Faith and Repentance — firm supports are they 
When every other fancy's prop and stay — 
The more thou leanest — sink and slide away. 



In Biggleswade Church-yard, Bedfordshire, England. 

Uncertain life — how soon it flies! 

Dream of an hour — how short our bloom! 
Like spring's gay verdure now we rise, 

Cut down ere night, to fill the tomb. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 251 

INSCRIBED TO THE 

MEMORY 

OF THE 

WIFE OF A CLERGYMAN, 

THE LAST OF THREE SISTERS, WHO ALL DIED IN LESS THAN A TEAR. 
Written by the ingenious Miss Seward. 

Ere ten short months had run their swift career, 

Three lovely sisters press'd th' untimely bier; 

Last of the fallen blossoms griev'd I pay 

At thy white shrine this tributary lay. 

If ever dwelt in mortal woman's mind 

Angelic worth, from sin's dark stains refin'd ; 

Oh, lovely Hannah ! in thy beauteous frame 

From Heaven to earth the soft perfection came. 

Unhappy husband, who art doom'd to mourn 

Thy lamp of joy extinguish'd in her urn ! 

Oh, may thy sorrowing breast her meekness prove! 

Oh, live to emulate thy sainted love! 

So shalt thou, passing a few patient years, 

With pious hope illume thy falling tears : 

And, when thy clay this sacred dust shall join, 

Be ever her's, who transiently was thine. 



In Wareham Church-yard, Dorsetshire, England. 

A soldier in his prime, completely arm'd, 
Attack'd by death is conquer'd and disarm'd ; 
Discipline, courage, valour, all is vain — 
The dart is sure — too well death takes his aim. 
This is the road we mortals all must pass, 
When Time's fleet scythe cuts short the hour-glass. 



252 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Gosport Chapel-yard, Hampshire, England. 

A young man's life may well compared be 
Unto the blossoms of some fruitful tree ; 
Which one day seems so pleasing, fair, and gay, 
And on the morrow fades and dies away : 
So did this youth drop in the midst of bloom, — 
His days were short, his sun was set at noon. 



In St. Helen's Church-yard, Abingdon, Berks, England. 

The greatest monarch on the earth 

That sitteth on the throne, 
The meanest one in state or birth, 

Death fears nor pities none. 
What hopes are then in mortal man, 

Who are but dust and clay ; 
For when once dead and withered, 

Our flesh doth soon decay. 



In Biggleswade Meeting-house-yard, Bedfordshire, England. 

Dearest of Wives and best of friends, farewell, 
Who mourns thy loss, alone thy worth can tell ; i 
Yet while his heart this last sad tribute pays, • 
He feels too much to celebrate thy praise ; 
Deeply he mourns with heart-felt grief opprest, 
Weeps o'er the grave where thy dear ashes rest ; 
But wing'd with hope his thoughts ascend the skies, 
Where God shall wipe all tears from weeping eyes ; 
There may we meet our Saviour to adore, 
Where happiness endures, and death divides no more. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 253 

In the Church-yard at Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, England, 

Life, in the utmost span, is still a breath, 

And those who longest dream must wake in death : 

Why should we hope our common fate to shun? 

Life is a race, and it will soon be run ; 

To the last stage we every day draw nigh, 

And as we once were bom — we once must die. 



In Stoke Darner al Church-yard, near Plymouth Docks, Eng. 

Evil and few the years of mortal date, 

And through their rounds what numerous ills await! 

Then, what is life which we so vainly boast? 

A sea of trials where we're constant tost : 

With cautious look he swam the boisterous brack, 

And veer'd about each rugged dangerous rock ; 

No dangers fear'd, for Jesus he was nigh 

To hush the storm, and bid the surges die. 



In Brompton Church-yard, near Chatham, Kent, England. 

Ye guardian Angels who surround the just, 
Preserve each atom of this precious dust ; 
Here, unmolested, let him sweetly sleep, 
Whilst I, the wife, do only live to weep ; 
To weep inglorious — though, I'll rather say, 
To wait and long for that approaching day, 
When our remains shall in one grave unite, 
And spirits greet with infinite delight. 



254 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Si. Paul's Church-yard, Deptford, Kent, England. 

Our coffin is our bed, our house our grave, 

A little narrow room is all we have ; 

We sleep in silence — but our souls are flown 

To take possession of a glorious throne ; 

In life, in death, most strict in right accord ; 

They liv'd, they died, true servants of the Lord. 



IN ST. JAMESES CHURCH-YARD, BURY ST. EDMUNDS, 

SUFFOLK, ENGLAND. 
HERE LIES INTERRED THE BODY OF 

MARY HASELTON, 

A young maiden of tins to?im, born of Roman Catholic parents, and 
virtuously brought up ; ivho, being in the act of prayer, repeat- 
ing of her vespers, was instantaneously killed by a flash of light' 
ning, on the l6th day of August, 1785, aged 9 years. 

Now Siloam's ruinous tower the victims slew, 
Because above the many sin'd the few ; 
So here the fated lightning wreak'd its rage, 
By vengeance sent for crimes matur'd by age, 
For which the thunder's awful voice was heard. 
This little supplicant, with hands uprear'd, 
Address'd her God in prayer the priest had taught $ 
His mercy crav'd, and his protection sought. 
Learn, reader, hence, that Wisdom to adore 
Thou canst not scan — then fear his boundless power! 
Safe shalt thou be if thou perform est well ; 
Blest if he spares — and more blest if he kill. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 255 

In Biggleswade Church-yard, Bedfordshire, England, 

Awake, my soul, from thy forgetful trance. 

The storm calls loud, and meditation wakes ; 

How at the sound pale superstition shakes, / 

Whilst all her train of frantic fears advance ! 

Children of darkness hence, fly far from me, 

And dwell with guilt and infidelity. 



In Alton Church-yard, Hampshire, England, 

All things are vain ! be wise and learn to know, 
Vexation, pain and trouble, dwell below ; 
True happiness, the Christian's glorious prize, 
Is found beyond the grave — above the skies. 



In Broadsworth Church-yard, Yorkshire, England. 

Here sleeps what once was beauty, once was grace, — 
Grace, with tenderness and love combin'd, 

To form the harmony of soul and face, 

Where beauty shines the mirror of the mind. 

Such was the maid, when in the morn of youth, 

In virgin innocence, in nature's pride, 
Blest in each art that owes its charms to truth, 

Sunk in her father's fond embrace — and died. 

He weeps! O venerable and aged sire! 

Faith lends her aid to ease affliction's load ; — 
The parent mourns his child upon the bier,— 

The christian yields an angel to his God. 



256 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Bridlington Church-yard, Yorkshire, England. 

The fatal shaft that pierc'd the vital frame, 
Consign'd me early to the silent tomb ; 

Nor youth nor strength could wrest the tyrant's aim, 
Nor weeping friends retard the impending doom. 

How vain their aid ! since life's short busy day, 

And death's dark gloom, shall cloud the fairest joy. 



In Chichester Cathedral Church-yard, Sussex England. 

Just in my bloom and vigorous morn of age, 
Whilst in the tropic of my youthful days, 

God gave command that I must quit the stage — 
The messenger a short, but sharp disease. 



In St. Margaret's Church-yard, Leicester, England. 

Thou too must join the dead — become as they — 
Sleep through the night — wake to eternal day. 
This calls for pause : let worldly cares make room 
For meditation on a world to come. 



In St. Mary's Church-yard, Southampton, Hampshire, Eng. 

Accept, dear shade, the tribute of a tear, 

It's all poor mortals have to offer here ! 

It was thy worth which caus'd those tears to flow — 

[t was thy goodness made affliction grow: 

In all my sorrows let my hope be this — 

That thou hast chang'd a mortal, for eternal bliss. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 257 

IN THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH, EXETER, ENGLAND. 

TO THE MEMORY OP 

LAURA, 

WIFE OF LORD GEORGE FERDINAND SOUTHAMPTON, 

Wlio departed this life June 10, 1798, in the 34th year of her age. 

Farewell, dear shade ! but let this marble tell 
What heavenly worth in youth and beauty fell! 
With every virtue blest, whate'er thy lot, 
To charm a court, or dignify a cot ; 
In each relation shone thy varied life, 
Of daughter, sister, mother, friend and wife ; 
Seen with delight in fortune's golden ray, 
Suffering remain'd to grace thy parting day. 
When smiling languor spoke the candid soul, 
And patience check'd the sigh affection stole j 
The gifts of Heaven in piety confess'd, 
Calmly resign'd, and every plaint supprest ; 
The consort's faith, the parent's tender care, 
Point the last look, and breathe the dying prayer. 



In St. Peter's Church-yard, City of Norwich, England. 

Gentle friends, with tears forbear 
To drown a withered flower here, * 
That, in the spring of nature's pride. 
Drank the morning dew — and died! 
Death may teach you here to live, 
As he a friendly call doth give : 
See this humble house of mine — 
Here's the inn, and this the sign. 
2 K 



258 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 



In Whittlesea Church-yard, Isle of Ely, England* 

Reader, pass on, walk freely o'er my bones, 
I lately trod such monumental stones j 
A short time hence will others tread on thine, 
So small's the difference 'twixt thy fate and mine 



In St. Clemenfs Church-yard, City of Norwich, England. 

Reader, awhile your levity suspend, 
Behold this urn — of husband, father, friend ; 
Whose actions, unadorn'd by polish'd art, 
Display'd the sincere dictates of his heart; 
No mercenary views did e'er intrude 
To taint his bosom fraught with gratitude. 



In Winbourn Minster Church-yard, Dorsetshire, England. 

Short was her race, and humble was her sphere ; 

Yet was her single talents well employ'd, 
And length of days, which Heaven denied her here, 

In bliss eternal will be there enjoy'd. 



In St. Andrew's Church-yard, Whittlesea, Isle of Ely, Eng. 

Ye sacred mould, lie light upon her grave! 
Beauty, nor youth, nor virtue that could save 
Her tender parents from their flowing tears, 
Nor add one moment to her length of years. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 259 

IN THE NEW CHURCH- YARD, WAKEFIELD, 

YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND. 

With every duty was her breast replete, 

And fond affection made each heart her own ; 
There soft humanity assum'd her seat, 

And sweetly-blushing innocence her throne- 
Resign'd and patient to the last, she view'd, 

With calm submission, her approaching fate : 
And now far happier is her life renew'd, 

Free from the troubles of this mortal state. 



NEWMARKET, ENGLAND. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

THOMAS DAVIS, alias THOMAS TURF 

A most expert Groom, who had been highly esteemed for his pcca-> 
liar care ar.d attention, aided by his superior skill, in training of 
the high-bred racing horses on the Newmarket Downs. He died 
on the first of April, 1769, in the 50th year of his age. 

Here lies, 

ready to start, in hopes to save his distance, 

Thomas Turf, 

Who was beat out of this world 

on the first of April last, 

by that Rockingham Death. 

He lived and died 

an honest man. 

Here lies a Groom, who longer life deserv'd, 

Whose Course was straight, from which he never swerv'd; 



260 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

Yet ere was quite complete his fiftieth Round/ 1 ) 

Grim Death at Choke-Jade (2) brought him to the ground ; 

This tyrant oft to cross and jostle tried, 

But ne'er, till now, could gain the whip-hand side. 

In youth he saw the high-bred cattle train'd 

By gentlest means, and easiest trammels rein'd ; 

He taught them soon the ending-stand to gain, 

Swift as Camilla o'er the velvet plain ; 

Oft from the crack'd ones he bore the prize away, 

And grandly triumph'd in the* blaze of day. 

But of late years he train'd the useful plough, 

To grace with yellow grain the naked brow ; 

And the green turf whereon they used to tread, 

Affords the trembling oats with which they're fed. 

O may this sod, with thorny texture bound, 

Protect from foot profane, this hallow'd ground, 

And may his Colts and Fillies (s ) truly run 

Their Beacon-Course, w and see a later sun. 



IN EAST-TISTED CHURCHWARD, HANTS, 

ENGLAND. 

He had his faults — he had his virtues too! 
But where's the man, O reader? point out where; 
Where lives the man, who has not to his share 
Too many faults, and even too much sin ? 
Inspect thyself, and'mark how 'tis within! 
Then note not others' faults — thine own amend ; 
This do, thou wilt thyself and them befriend. 



(1) The Round, or King's Plate Coi'rse. 

(2) A steep ascent in the Beacon-Course. 
(S) His infant sons and daughters. 

(4) A long straight Course of four miles 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 261 

IN ALL SAINTS' CHURCH, EXETER, ENGLAND. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

SARAH WESTLAKE. 

Died October 20th, 1666. 

Here lies the heiresse of her father's face, 
Sage, with grave carriage, and diviner grace, 
The muse's vot'ry, whom unkind, cruell fate, 
Ravish'd from us, and did to Heaven translate: 
Such plants God from earth's nurs'ry doth remove, 
Betimes to Heavenly paradise above. 



IN ALL SAINTS' CHURCH, EXETER, ENGLAND. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

MARY WESTLAKE, 

Who died the 28th of August, 1669. 

Here with her husband lies a saint, wife, mother, 
The world can hardly boast of such another ; 
Her knowledge 'bove her sex in things divine, 
Was not unfruitful, but in grace did shine ; 
One month to her birth, wedlock death did give, 
Now she is gone in endless bliss to live. 



In Great Yarmouth Church-yard, Norfolk, England. 

Here let a parent fond inscribe a stone, 

The last frail tribute to a duteous son! 

Then nature's weakness, strengthen'd from above, 

In meek submission, own that God is love. 



262 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

IN LITCHFIELD CATHEDRAL, ENGLAND, THERE IS A MONUMENT 
ERECTED TO THE MEMORY OF THE 

RIGHT HON. LADY MARY WORTLEY MONTAGUE, 

Who introduced 

from Turkey into this country the salutary art of 

Inoculating for the Small Pox. 

Convinced of its efficacy, 

she first tried it, with success, on her own children ; 

and then recommended it to her 

fellow citizens. 

Thus, by her example and advice, 

we have softened the virulence, and escaped the danger, 

of this malignant disease. 

Tp perpetuate 

the memory of such benevolence, 

and to express the gratitude for the benefit she herself received 

from this alleviating art, 

This Monument is erected by 

Henrietta Inge, 

Relict of Theodore William Inge, Esq. 

In the year of our Lord, 1789. 



JOHN CHAMBERS, 

FISHERMAN, 

Of Portsmouth, England, died in 1751, aged 100 years. 

At his interment, his corpse was carried by six great grand- 
sons, and his pall supported by six great grand-daughters, and 
was followed by his sons and daughters, grand-sons and grand- 
daughters, and great grand-sons, and great grand-daughters, 
and their children, two and two ; in all seventy-two. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 263 

f ' 

IN WYNARD CHAPEL, EXETER CATHEDRAL, ENGLAND. 

On an ancient monument, in Monkish verse. It is thus translated. 

May these new walls, which boast their Founder's name. 

To distant times his piety proclaim ! 

Not for the rich his many cells appear, — 

Age, sickness, penury, find shelter here. 

To Him, whose glory fills the eternal throne, 

The rising Fane he consecrates alone 

A lasting fabric, not endow'd in vain, 

It clears, we trust, his soul from earthly stain. 

Wynard, all hail! though now to us deny'd, 

Recording magistrate, our city's pride ! 

Yet thy bright name, not to these walls confin'd, 

Thy country graces, dignifies mankind. 



REBECCA PONEY, 

Died in 1795, aged 106 years, 

OF TRE POOR-HOUSE, IN NORTON PALGATE LIBERTY, LONDON, WHERE 
SHE HAD LONG BEEN A RESIDENT. 

She was born November 5th, 1688, the day on which 
King William landed in England. The expressions of joy on 
that occasion frightened her mother so much, (who was there 
to witness the event,) that she was obliged to be put into a 
coach, in which she was delivered of the subject of this arti- 
cle, who enjoyed an uninterrupted state of health from her 
birth. She cut two new teeth at the age of one hundred and 
two, and had all perfect, except two, at her death. Not a wrin- 
kle was to be seen in her countenance, and she kept her bed 
but three days previous to her decease. 



264 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES* 



IN ST. MARY'S CHURCH, ARCHES, EXETER, ENG. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

JOHN DAVIE, Esq. 
Who was three tunes Mayor of this City, and died Jan. 1 lth, l6ll. 

This marble monument, this fading brass, 
Might have been spar'd; for neither needful was 
To stand a register of Davie's name ; 
Who, living, did erect a fairer frame, 
And far more lasting ; whose foundation 
Was firmly grounded on the corner stone; 
Whose bar was faith, whose pillars piety; 
And whose engravings, works of charity. 
Then let the dead trust to a dying tomb ; 
But how can death in Davie find a room ; 
Whose soul in heaven alive does aye remain, 
Whose works on earth so many lives maintain. 



DANIEL BULL MCCARTHY, 

Of the County of Kerry, in Ireland; died in 1? '52, aged 111. 

At the age of eighty-four he married a fifth wife, and had 
by her twenty children, one every year ; he was always very 
healthy, and never observed to spit ; no cold affected him ; 
he could not bear the warmth of a shirt at night, but put it 
under his pillow ; for the last seventy years, when in compa- 
ny, he drank plentifully of rum and brandy, which he called 
naked truth ; and if, in compliance with solicitations, he drank 
claret or punch, he always drank an equal glass of rum or 
brandy, which he called a wedge. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 265 

IN THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH, CANTERBURY, ENG. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL PRUDE, 

Who was slain at the siege of Mastricht, in the Belgic Wars, in 

1632. 

Stand, soldiers, ere you march by way of charge, 

Take an example here, that may enlarge 

Your minds in noble actions! Here in peace 

Rests one whose life was war; whose rich increase 

Of fame, and honour, from his valour grew — 

Unbeg'd, unbought : for what he won, he drew 

By just desert, — having in service been 

A soldier till near sixty, from sixteen 

Years of his active life, — continually 

Fearless of death, yet still prepar'd to die 

In his religious thoughts; for, 'midst all harms, 

He bore as much of piety as arms. 

Now, soldiers, on! and fear not to intrude 

The gates of death, by example of this Prude. 



In St. Matthew's Church-yard, Ipswich, Suffolk, England. 

Tho' sacred friendship deems thy fate severe, 
And fond affection drops a silent tear 
On thy cold grave, yet o'er each aching breast 
Meek resignation breathes the balm of rest ; 
Religion whispers peace amidst the gloom, 
While pale affection muses o'er thy tomb ; 
Thy virtues still the kindred wish shall raise, 
To meet with thee thv God, and sing his praise. 
No. 12 2 L 



200 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Basingstoke Church-yard, Hampshire, England, 

If Religion without Enthusiasm, 

Charity universal, 

Virtue without prudery, 

Genuine affection and kindness towards 

her husband, children, relations, and friends, 

Lay a well-founded hope for future happiness, 

Doubtless 

Her pure and immortal Spirit is flown 

to the bosom of her Redeemer! 

And, Reader, 

If such rare and united qualities 

Claim the tribute of regret, 

Canst thou not bestow here a tear? 



In Ramsey Church-yard, Huntingdonshire, England. 

The youth that lies beneath this stone 

Was early call'd to rest : 
But weep not, friends, for him that's gone — 

He sleeps among the blest. 



In St. PauVs Church-yard, Deptford, Kent, England, 

Ye splendid come — these solemn lines survey — 
Dust unto dust, so pass mankind away: 
I, like yourself, could not this scene divine 
When life's bright lamp with me did shine ; 
But vain, alas ! has every pleasure prov'd ; 
Even life's best bliss — to love and be belov'd. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 267 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

Mr. JOHN EDWARDS, 

Of Glyn Keiriog, in Denbighshire, Wales ; 

POET LAUREAT, 

And one of the earliest members of the Gwyneridgion Society, of London; who died Sept. 18, 
1792, aged 41, and was buried in Lishopsgate Church-yard, London. 

Here Edwards rests — for Cambrain learning fam'd, 

And, from his native vale, Shone Keiriog nam'd ; 

Fluent of speech, and ardent in debate, 

High o'er inferior minds he held his state ; 

And ev'n his equals in the keen dispute 

Admir'd the man — they seldom could confute j 

Whilst ignorance, for wordy war unfit, 

Awe-struck beheld the lightning of his wit. 

More peaceful manners let us next display, 

His frank good nature, and his humour gay; 

Secure he sat on humour's splendid throne, 

Nor fear'd a rival to the name of Shone ; 

Like merry FalstafF, in the days of yore, 

He often set the table on a roar ; 

And still like him, convivial moments past, 

His mind continued cheerful to the last. 

Nor must the faithful tablet here refuse 

A grateful tribute to our Cambrain Muse, 

Which, in a contest* for the laurel wreath, 

Gain'd him a name triumphant over death. 

And patriots, heroes, poets, gone before, 

With all their labour — they have gain'd no more. 

Keiriog, adieu! — my tears must tell the rest — 

Lie light the turf upon thy gentle breast! 



* Previous to his death he gained the Honorary Medal, given by the Cymmroderion Society of 
London, to the Author of the best Poetical Composition in the Welsh language, on the 
death of Richard Morris, Esq. the then President. 



268 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Grantham Church-yard, Lincolnshire, England. 

Here William Saxon lies asleep, 

Lay'd in the earth near six feet deep ; 

Serenely calm in peace and rest, 

Until he's call'd to be more blest. 

Lord Brownlow's Steward was for fourteen years, 

In whose accompts no fraud appears ; 

A faithful servant — poor man's friend — 

A quiet neighbour to the end ; 

At fifty-one resign'd his breath, 

And much lamented was his death ; 

His management was well approv'd; 

Resign'd to fate — he died belov'd. 



In Woolwich Church-yard, Kent, England. 

Here rest two youths, whom fate has snatch'd away, 
Just when their genius beam'd a flatt'ring ray ; 
The paths of virtue ever they pursued, 
And gloried in the act of doing good. 



In Basingstoke Church-yard, Hampshire, England. 

With deepest thought, spectator view thy fate ; 

Thus mortals pass to their immortal state! 

Thro' Death's dark vale we hope they find their way 

To the bright regions of eternal day! 

Life's but a moment — Death that moment ends, 

Thrice happy they who that moment wisely spends, 

For on that point Eternitydepends. 



■I 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 269 

In Uffington Church-yard, Berkshire, England. 

To me 'twas giv'n to die — to thee 'tis giv'n 
To live! Alas! one moment sets us even! 
Mark, how impartial is the will of Heaven ! 



IN WAKEFIELD NEW CHURCH-YARD, YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND. 
TO THE MEMORY OF AN HONEST MILLER. 

God works wonders now and then — 
Here lies a miller — an honest man! 



In Great Yarmouth Church-yard, England, 

With serious awe behold my solemn bed, 
Wherein my body's laid, my spirit fled; 
My life protracted was, to a long span, 
And now I die in peace with God and man. 



In Winboum Minster Church-yard, Dorsetshire, England. 

'Twas in his mild, his even, gentle heart, 
Each soft affection dwelt, devoid of art; 
His was the tender wish, the pitying sigh, 
Domestic love, and feeling charity ; 
Still fond to give, and ready to bestow, 
He felt a pang at sight of human woe ; 
The poor, the hungry, ate his daily bread, 
They ate and blest the pious hand that fed. 
Thus loving and belov'd, the path he trod 
That led to peace, to Heaven, and to his God. 



270 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Basingstoke Church-yard, Hampshire, England. 

It was not Death, whilst I had breath, 

E'er did my soul affright ; 
But with a heart, free to impart, 

I bid the world good night* 



In Buckingham Church-yard, England. 

Death is the end of human glories sure ; 
But manifold the means that end procure: 
Be ready, mortals, for that solemn call, 
No matter then the means by which we fall. 



In PrittleweTl Church-yard, Essex, England. 

O glorious victory of grace divine! 
Jesus, the great redeeming work was thine! 
Thou call'd her in thine own appointed hour 
To feel and magnify thy mighty power; 
CalPd to the joys which saints and angels prove, 
Into the arms of everlasting love. 



In Huntingdon Church-yard, England. 

Heaven gave the needful, tho' neglected call, 
What day, what hour, but knock'd at human hearts 
To wake the soul to sense of future scenes? 
Death stands like Mercury, in every way, 
And kindly points us to our journey's end. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 271 

In Buckingham Church-yard, England. 

Since, after death, the immortal spirit goes 
To endless joys, or everlasting woes ; 
ThaJ man is wise who labours to procure 
That mighty state, and make his passage sure. 



In Isleworth Church-yard, Middlesex, England 
Peace to the spot where his remains are laid, — 
May purest bliss await his friendly shade! 
Nature endow'd him with her noblest part — 
She gave the head — nor yet denied the heart. 



Jn Welshpool Church-yard, Wales. 

John Palfryman, who lieth here, 
Is aged twenty-four years ; 
And near this place his Mother lies, 
So will his Father, when he dies. 



In Woolwich Church-yard, Kent, England, 

O disembodied soul! most rudely driven 
From this low orb (our sinful seat) to Heaven ! 
While filial piety can please the ear, 
Thy name will still remain for ever dear. 



In St. Miles* Church-yard, City of Norwich, England. 

The world's a stage — at birth our play's begun, 
And all find exits when their parts are done. 



272 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Winbourn Minster Church-yard, Dorsetshire, England. 

Our life's a flying shadow, God's the pole, — 
The index pointing to him, is our soul ; 
Death is the horison. when our sun is set, 
Which will, through Christ, a resurrection get. 



In Chatham Church-yard, Kent, England, 

Distrust of darkness in a future state 

Makes us poor mortals fearful of our fate! 

Death is nothing — but 'tis what we fear 

To be we know not what, — nor know not where. 



In Brompton Church-yard, Kent, England. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

PETER HAN SELL. 

In all your mirth remember death — • 

'Tis certain all must die! 
Here Peter lies, dissolv'd to dust, 

And so must you and I. 



In St. Matthew's Church-yard, Ipswich, Suffolk, England. 

Here sleeps beneath this silent grave 
A loyal Soldier, just, and brave ; 
Who, after a long and deep decline, 
Did this mortal life resign, 
Until the last trumpet's awful sound, 
He's then for settled quarters bound. 



. SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 273 

In All Saints' Burying-ground, Hereford, England. 

Here lies interred, 

The mortal remains of Gamalial Davis, 

Printer, 

Who, like an old worn-out letter 

Batter d by frequent use, 

reposes in the grave ; 

But not without hope, 

That, at some future time, he might be recast 

In the mould of righteousness, 

And safely locked^up in the 

Blissful chase of immortality ! 

He was distributed from the board of life 

on the 13th day of April, 

1803, 

regretted by his employer 

And deeply lamented by his fellow artists. 



In Coggleshall Church-yard, Essex, England. 

Reader, who gazing on this letter'd stone, 
Her fate deplore! and, thoughtless of thy own, 
On this important truth thou inay'st rely — 
To thee both death and judgment may be nigh. 
'Tis to the Saviour, not the sinner's praise, 
That she was sav'd from Hell, and calPd by grace, 
Her conflicts, pains, and griefs, to sin she ow'd ; 
Her hope, her faith, and patience, He bestow'd. 
May'st thou like her obtain repentance, faith 
To smile in anguish and rejoice in death. 
• 2M ■ 



274 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES 

IN NEWARK CHURCH-YARD, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, ENGLAND. 

ON A VERY BEAUTIFUL YOUNG WOMAN, 

Who died in the 18th year of her age. 

Ye virgins, with sorrow approach to my shrine, 
For all your gay beauty will soon be as mine! 
Then think on your souls, and contemplate with joy 
On the beauties that bloom in the regions on high. 



[n St. George' s Church-yard, City of Norwich, England 

His time was come to leave this earthly throne ; 
Ye blooming youths, we'll for your brother mourn! 
We'll mourn the loss for him we can't recall, 
Who died lamented and belov'd by all. 



In Chelmsford Church-yard, Essex, England. 

Secure in hope to-day our health we trust, 
To-morrow joins us with our native dust ; 
'Twas there secure the messenger of death 
Found me asleep, and snatch'd my vital breath. 



In St. Pancrass Church-yard, Chichester, England. 

Art thou in health and spirits gay? 
I was so too the other day 
And thought myself of life as safe 
As thou who read'st my epitaph. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 276 

1ST WALTHAM ABBEY CHURCH, ESSEX, ENGLAND, IS THIS CU- 
RIOUS epitaph: 

ELIZABETH PORDAGE, 

The beloved wife of Benjamin Pordage, the best companion, the best 
of wives ; courteous and humble in her carriage, holy in her life, 
pious at her death ; who blessedly departed this life, Nov. 9th, 
1678, in the 43d year of her age, leaving behind her Rachel, 
Elizabetli, and Edward Pordage, of which last she died* 

But what is it wherein dame Nature wrought 

The best of works, the only form of Heaven ; 
And having long'd to find a present, sought 

Wherein the world's whole beauty might be given ; 
She did resolve in all arts to summon, 
To join with Nature's framing, 
God! 'tis woman, 
Elizabeth Pordage, 
Memento Mori. 



In.Qople Church-yard, Bedfordshire, England, 

Calm and serene beneath affliction's rod, 
Because she knew it was the work of God ; 
Because she trusted in the Saviour's power, 
Hence she was fearless in the dying hour! 
Hail, sacred grave ! be loyal to thy trust, 
Till her dear Lord receive her sleeping dust ; 
Then, as a faithful steward, will safe restore 
That precious treasure thou canst keep no more. 



276 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

IN GREAT-YARMOUTH CHURCH-YARD, NORFOLK, 

ENGLAND. 
TO THE MEMORY OF 

CHARLES JOHNSON, aged 18, 

AND 

ROBERT, his brother, aged 17, 

Who, with four more, was drowned on the 24th of July, 1797 > by 
the upsetting of a boat, upon the Breyden. This stone is erected 
as a warning to heedless youth. 

trod saw their troubles from above, 

He saw their hearts quite sunk with woe ; 

And call'd them, in his tender love, 
To scenes where living waters flow. 



Church-yard, Hampshire, England ', 

In youth's gay prime a thousand joys I sought, 

But Heaven and an immortal soul forgot ; 

In riper years affliction's smarting rod, 

And pains and wounds, taught me to know my God. 

The change I bless'd with an expiring breath, 

And life ascrib'd to that which wrought my death. 



In Friendsbury Church-yard, Kent, England. 

Stay, passenger, examine well this tomb, — 
'Twas built for one but lately taken home ; 
A wife, a parent, friend, belov'd by all, 
Was summon'd hence, — obey'd the gracious call ; 
With calm repose she left this house of clay 
To meet her God, in everlasting day. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 277 

In Grantham Church-yard, Lincolnshire, England, 
ON A SEXTON 

I, that have carried a hundred bodies brave, 
Am by a fever carried to my grave ; 
I carried, and am carried, so that's even ; 
May I be Porter to the gates of Heaven. 



In the same Church-yard. 

Temples, and tombs, and towns shall waste away, 
And power's vain pomp in mould'ring dust decay ; 
But ere mankind a Wife more perfect see, 
Eternity, O time! shall bury thee. 



In St. Helen's Church-yard, Abingdon, Berks, England. 

Reader, pass not — but let thy tears be shed 
Over the beauteous and the virtuous dead! 
Prudent and chaste she was in all her life,- 
Did fairly shew the kind and tender wife ; 
However weep — since Death hath taken more 
Than Nature to the world can e'er restore. 



In All Saints' Church-yard, Colchester, Essex, England. 

Behold the silent grave! it doth embrace 
A loving wife, with Rachel's comely face ; 
Sarah's obedience, Lydia's open heart, 
Martha's care, but Mary's better part. 



278 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In St. Mary's Church-yard, Bury St. Edmunds. Sujfoik, 
England. 

Beneath this humble stone there rests a wife, 

A tender mother, and a generous friend ; 
To virtue kind, averse to vice and strife, 

Whom all respected, even to her end. 
Then why should love for earth extort a sigh, 

Where no real happiness invites our stay£ 
Or why wish we to live, or fear to die 

Since Death's the path to everlasting day ? 



In St. Peter's Church-yard, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, Eng. 

Short and uncertain is our bliss below 
None can be happy in this vale of woe ! 
True mutual love had soften'd every care, 
When mournful Death divorc'd this happy pair. 



In Barnstaple Church-yard, Devonshire, England. 

To kindred saints a joyful shade retires 

With greeting anthems meet from heavenly choirs . 

Where choral seraphs join in one accord 

To sing the praise of their Redeeming Lord. 



In Kingston Church-yard, Hampshire, England. 

Silent grave, to thee I trust 
This precious part of worthy dust ; 
Keep it safe, O sacred tomb! 
Until a Wife shall ask for room. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 279 

DIED IN 1650, AGED 100 YEARS, 

Mr. HASTINGS. 

This most singular man was brother to the Earl of Hunting- 
don. He resided at Woodlands, in the county of Dorset ; the 
mansion house where he lived stood in the middle of a park, 
surrounded with deer, fish ponds, hares and rabbits ; he kept 
all kinds of hounds for buck, fox, otter, hare and badger ; long 
and short-winged hawks. The great hall was filled with dogs 
and cats, gamekeepers' and hunters' poles ; hawks, perchers, 
terriers, hounds, and spaniels ; the walls of the house were 
covered with skins of foxes and polecats ; the parlour win- 
dows were filled with cross-bows, stone-bows, and arrows; 
his cellar, which was always stored with excellent strong beer, 
was always open to his neighbours ; he was temperate at meals; 
his usual drink was only one pint of small beer stirred with 
rosemary, and one or two glasses of wine, with syrup of gil- 
lyflower ; his dress was green cloth and a green hat ; he eat 
oysters twice every day, and rode to the death of the stag 
when ninety years of age. 



In the year 1733, died another very singular man, Wil- 
liam Haseling, aged 1 12 years. He was a pensioner in Chel- 
sea college, near London, in which he was the oldest inha- 
bitant ; he served in the Parliament army at Edgehill, under 
King William in Ireland, and the Duke of Marlborough in 
Flanders. He married, and buried two wives after he was 
one hundred ; and the third, who survived him, he married at 
the age of one hundred and ten. He was allowed a pension 
from the college, and a crown a week from the Duke of Rich- 
mond. 



280 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Abbess Church, Roding, County of Wilts. England. 

HERE LIETH 

Sir GAMALIEL CAPEL Knight. 

Sonne of Henry Capel, Esq. and the Lady Catharine, daughter of 
the Earl of Rutland. He marry ed Jane, one of the daughters of 
Mr. Weston Browne, by whom he had six sonnes and three 
daughters. 

LADY CATHARINE * 

Ob. A. D. 1627; et aet suae 50. 

We bragge no vertues, and we bragge no teares, 

O, Reader, if thou hast but eyes and ears 

It is enough ; but tell me why 

Thou com'st to gaze ? is it to pry 

Into our cost? or borrowe 

A copie of our sorrowe ? 

Or dost thou come 

To learn to die, 
Not knowing whome 

To practise by? 
If this be thy desire, 
Remove thee one step nigher s 
Here lies a president ; a rarer 
Earth never showed, nor heaven a fayrer. 
She was — but roome denies to tell thee what 
Summe all perfections uppe, and she was that. 



* There is a copious inscription relating to several more of the family, which perhaps might 
not be thought interesting. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 281 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

DANIEL SOUTHWELL, 

Lieutenant of his Majesty's Ship Aurora, 2vhose death happened 
in Portugal P August 23, 1797- 

In vain the muse I woo: in vain the lyre 

With trembling, with reluctant, hand I press: 
Dark melancholy reigns, and must inspire 

The chords responsive to my deep distress. 
In foreign climes, alas ! I lost my friend ; 

No lov'd relation near to close his eyes: 
A foreign land beheld my Southwell's end j 

A foreign land receiv'd his parting sighs. 
Brief was his date of life. The rugged course 

Of enterprise, in which he strove for fame, 
Early matur'd his virtues: but its force 

Destroy'd the health of a much-suffering frame. 
Prompt at his country's call, for her he sought 

Regions antipodal, through oceans wide: 
For her he met the foe ; for her he fought ; 

For her was wounded ; and for her he died. 
Farewell, dear youth ! though now no longer burns 

On earth thy lamp of life with Freedom's glow, 
Her blighted bud of hope Britannia mourns, 

And sheds a tear o'er gallant worth laid low. 



In Jill Saints' Church-yard, Leicester, England 

God hath in nature planted certain ties, 

Held sacred even by the good and wise ; 

At death's approach what bonds can stronger bind 

Than widow left, with babe unborn, behind. 

2N 



282 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Howden Church-yard, Yorkshire, England. 

The Christian shone in every stage of life, 
A tender mother and a faithful wife ; 
When hoary age stood trembling near the grave, 
Unask'd she offer'd, and unseen she gave ; 
Without regret life's empty scene survey'd, 
Look'd back with pleasure on the part she play'd. 



In Norwich Cathedral, England. 

Here lies the body of honest Tom Page, 
Who died in the 33d year of his age. 



Died, in February, 1812, at Jamaica, Anne Wignell, aged 
146, a free black woman. She was imported from Africa 
when twelve years of age, and about 14 years previous to the 
destruction of Port-Royal by the great earthquake in 1692. 
She had been bed-ridden some time before her decease, but 
retained her senses to the last. 



At Kingston, in Jamaica, died Samuel Pinnock, a negro 
man, aged 125. Till within the last two years his faculties 
were sound, and his memory remarkably retentive. Of the 
dreadful earthquake which, in 1692, nearly destroyed Port- 
Royal, he had a perfect recollection ; and was on-board a 
ship lying near Fort Augusta when the catastrophe took place, 
and has frequently narrated the melancholy business with a 
minuteness of detail, which none but an eye-witness could 
have given. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 283 

In Merton Church-yard, Surrey, England. 

ON 

Mrs. LACKINGTON, 

WRITTEN BY HER HUSBAND, THE CELEBRATED BOOKSELLER. 

Ladies, who chance to frisk this way, 

With honest hearts, and spirits gay, 

A serious moment give to one, 

Who sleeps beneath this earth and stone. 

A better daughter never liv'd, 

A better wife ne'er husband griev'd ; ^s. 

To her the claims of kindred dear, 

The tender orphan would she rear ; 

Nor e'er did to the grave descend 

A more sincere and faithful friend. 

Think on her virtues ; heave a sigh, 

That goodness such as her's should die! 

And whether you be maid or wife, 

Go, imitate her former life ; 

And when to Heav'n you yield your breath, 

May you, like her, have peace in death! 



In Lempster Church-yard, Herefordshire, England, 

Peace, good reader, do not weep! 
Peace — an infant lies asleep ! 
Her pillow's clay — her sheet's not warm ; 
Christ made her bed — she'll take no harm ; 
Sleep till the eternal morrow dawn, 
And then her curtain shall be drawn ; 
And she awake into the light, 
Whose day shall never end in night. 



284 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

AT BRANCASTER, ENGLAND. 

Here lyethe for all that please to see 

Robert Smithe, dispos'd to great charitie. 

A Freeschoole he built, and two Almes-houses of fame, 

Who entended to geve lands to mayntain the same. 

But sodaynlie he died in this towne of Brancaster ; 

So the right of all was in Elizabethe his sister. 

Which buildinges for ever his godly Matron did assure, 

With four-score and twelve acres land for the purpose to endure, 

To the bringinge upp of Youthe and reliefe of the Poore. 

Let us praise their proceedinge — God send the World more ! 

In June he dyed, that monthe the thirteene, 

The eight and thirtie of Elizabethe our queene. 

Richard Stubbs, Richard Buntinge, and John Reade, 

To this end are inseofted all in one deede ; 

The first of worship, the other of great honestie, 

As any could be founde in all our cuntrie. — 



Died, in Grenada, in 1773, James Forthton, Esq. aged 
127 years. He was born at Bourdeaux in 1645, settled in 
the West Indies in 1694, married at St. Christopher's, and 
removed to Martinico, where he remained 30 years, and has 
resided in Grenada 40 years. He retained his eyesight till 
his 117th year, and his health till within a few days of his 
death. 



Died, in 1773, at Leicester, Thomas Cartwright, aged 
24. It is remarkable, that he measured only 36 inches, and 
never had any teeth. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 285 

Died, June, 1812, at Richmond, County of Galway, Ireland, 
(the seat of James Burke, Esq.) aged 115, Mrs. Belinda 
Crawford. She was 18 years old on the 22d of April, 1715, 
which day she recollected perfectly to the hour of her death, 
as it was rendered remarkable by the total eclipse of the Sun ; 
during which, we are historically informed, the darkness was 
such, that the stars faintly appeared, and the birds went to 
roost about 10 o'clock in the morning. 



IN LANDULPH CHURCH, COUNTY OF CORNWALL, 

ENGLAND, 

On a brass Tablet, with the Roman Eagle, Sfc. at the Top. 

" Here lyeth the body of Theodoro Paleologus, of Pe- 
saro, in Italye, descended from the Imperial lyne of the last 
Christian Emperors of Greece, being the sonne of Camilio, 
the sonne of Prosper, the sonne of Theodoro, the sonne of 
John, the sonne of Thomas, second brother to Constantine 
Paleologus, the 8th of that name, and last of that lyne, that 
raygned in Constantinople, untill subdewed by the Turkes : 
who married with Mary the daughter of William Balls, of 
Hadlye, in SoufFolke, gent, and had issue 5 children, Theo- 
doro, John, Ferdinando, Maria, and Dorothy, and dep'ted 
this life at Clyfton the 21st of Janvary, 1636." 



In Boston Church-yard, Lincolnshire, England. 

Five happy babes, who did not live to know 

The various troubles of this world below ; 

O that our fate may be as blest as theirs, 

Is all we wish! — may Heaven accept our prayers. 



286 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

ON 

Miss MART STEVENSON, 

Of Castle Hedingham, Essex, England, who died Sept. 6, 1808. 

As a fair flower, the pride of Nature's reign, 

When bursts the storm that deluges the plain, 

Bends down its lovely head, then fades away 

Untimely, and no more adorns the day. 

Not all our tears — nor yet the bloom of youth 

Avail 'd — nor Virtue ever lov'd, and Truth, 

Nor Piety that plac'd her hopes on high, 

And taught her how to live, and how to die — 

Nor Charity — nor Goodness rarely found, 

That gave instruction to the poor around, 

Goodness, which train'd their tender minds to know, 

That Virtue proves the height of bliss below — 

Nor those benign affections of the heart, 

That Joy, Content, and Happiness impart — 

But these defy the grave, and these alone 

Shall bloom for ever, and be still her own. 

Here peaceful slumber with congenial dust, 

Till call'd to join the triumph of the just, 

Where friends shall meet again, embrace, and soar 

To life immortal, and their God adore. 



In St. Peter's Church-yard, Deptford, Kent, England, 

The loveliest flower in Nature's garden plac'd, 
Permitted just to bloom, then pluck'd in haste ; 
Angels beheld her ripe for joys to come, 
And took, by God's command, their Sister hom«. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 287 

, ':, i. ''..I,, s: 

ON 

LORD MONBODDO. 

If wisdom, learning, worth, demand a tear, 
Weep o'er the dust of great Monboddo here ; 
A judge upright, to mercy still inclin'd ; 
A gen'rous friend, a father fond and kind ; 
His country's pride for skill in Grecian lore, 
And all Antiquity's invalued store. 
Yet, full of days, the Sage resign'd his breath, 
And, long-prepar'd, sunk easy down in death. 
Now with thy Plato shalt thou rest in peace, 
And, tho' thy life on earth for ever cease ; 
Yet, like the Sun, thy works the world shall light, 
Still warm to virtue, still like him be bright ; 
Thy Fame, like him, ev'n to the skies shall soar, 
And last, like him, till time shall be no more ; 
While the full blaze to little stars returns, 
Who from thy dazzling beams illume their urns. 
Look down, blest shade! accept the votive lay, 
Which one, not quite unknown, desires to pay, 
Laments, yet hails thy flight to realms of day. 



In All Saints' Church-yard, Oxford, England. 

Here like the damask rose you see ; 
Or like the blossoms on the tree ; 
Or like the charming flowers of May ; 
Or like the morning of the day ; 
Or like the sun, or like the shade ; 
Or like the Gourd that Jonah had : 
Ev'n so with man, whose thread is spun, 
Drawn out, cut off, and then 'tis done. 



288 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Wrexham Church-yard, North Wales, 

Born in America, and in Europe bred, 

Travell'd in Africa, and in Asia wed, 

Where long he liv'd and thriv'd ; in London dead, 

Some good he did, some ill, so hopes all even, 

And that his soul, thro' mercy, is gone to Heaven. 

You that survive, I pray beware, 

Of death's most certain exit to prepare ; 

For none but the actions of the just 

Smell sweet and blossom in the dust. 



At Calcutta, in the East Indies, on Sunday morning, April 27, 1794, after a few days illness, 
Sir William Jones, knight, one of the judges of the Supreme Court or Judicature. On Mon- 
day moruing bis remains were interred with the following solemnities : At a quarter Defore 
seven o'clock in the morning, the body was moved from the house lately occupied by the Hon. 
Mr. Justice Hyde, at Chouringhee, and, being placed in the hearse, the procession advanced 
towards the burying-ground, accompanied by a very numerous attendance of the gentlemen 
of the settlement, in their carriages and palanquins, and preceded by all the European troops 
in garrison, with arms reversed, drums muffled, and the artillery band playing sacred music, 
while minute-guns were fired from the ramparts of Fort William. When the procession had 
arrived so near the gate of the burying-ground as just to leave sufficient room for the troops 
to be drawn up on each side of the road, forming a street, and resting on their arms, the 
whole halted, and the corpse, being taken out of the hearse and placed upon men's shoulders, 
waa carried to the place of interment, followed by all the attendants on foot, the Hon. Mr. Hyde 
and Sir William Dunkin as chief mourners, and the pall borne by the barristers and other 
gentlemen of the Supreme Court. The funeral service was performed by the Rev. Mr. Blau- 
chard ; and the body being laid in the earth, the solemn ceremony was concluded by the troops 
firing three vollies of musquetry over the grave. The plate upon the coffin stated the age of 
the deceased to be 48. — In the swift career of intellectual attainment, in an high public sta- 
tion, and in the full vigour of life, from the remainder of which the world anxiously expected 
the boundaries of knowledge and Oriental literature would have been widely enlarged, we 
see our hopes prematurely perish, by the loss of a genius that seemed peculiarly destined 
for the instruction and ornament of man. Endowed by Nature with a mind of extraordinary 
vigour, Sir William Jones, by unwearied industry, aided by superior genius, successfully ex- 
plored the hidden sources of Oriental science and literature ; and his attainments in this in- 
teresting branch of learning were such as to place him, far beyond all competition, the most 
eminent Oriental scholar in this or perhaps anj 7 other age. In his public character, the la- 
bour he afforded in the dispatch of business, the clearness of bis discernment, and his legal 
abilities, well qualified bim for one of the guardians of the laws and the rights of his fellow 
citizens. As a scholar, his name is known wherever Literature is cultivated. In private life 
be was companionable, mild, gentle, and amiable in his manners, and his conversation rich 
and energetic. In fine, in all the relations of public and private life, he was revered and be- 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 289 

loved. Unlike many other eminent literary characters of the age, Sir William was a sincere 
and pious Christian ; and, instead of labouring, by his writings, to propagate the doctrines of 
infidelity, as has been a favourite practice with some modern philosophers of reputation, he 
was desirous to lend the Scriptures his utmost support; and, in one of his latest annual dis- 
courses to the Asiatic Society, he has done more to give validity to the Mosaic history of 
the creation than the researches of any contemporary writer. 

The following epitaphs were written, the first by himself, and the latter by a brother* 
judge, Sir William Dunkin : 

1. " Here was deposited 
the mortal part of a man 

who feared God, but not Death ; 
and maintained independence, 

but sought not riches ; 

who thought none below him 

but the base and unjust ; 

none above him but the wise and virtuous ; 

who loved his parents, kindred, friends, 

and country : 

and, having devoted his life to their service 

and the improvement of his mind, 

resigned it calmly, 

giving glory to his Creator, 

wishing peace on earth, 

and good-will to all his creatures, 

on the 27th day of April, 1794, 

in the year of our blessed Redeemer ' 

2. " Gulielmus Jones, 

Eques, Cur. sup. in Bengal ex Judicibus unus, 

Legum peritus, fidusque Interpres, 

Omnibus benignus, 

Nullius Fautor, 

Virtute, Fortitudine, Suavitate Morura 

Nemini secundus, 

Seculi eruditi longe primus, 

Ibat ubi solum plura cognoscere Fas est : 

27° Apr. 1794." 

No. 13. 2 O 






290 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

IN HAVANT CHURCH-YARD, HAMPSHIRE, ENGLAND. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

WILLIAM SILVERLOCK, 

A private in Capt. Butlers company, who died June 26, 1796, aged 
16 years. He was interred icitli military honours; and a pil- 
lar, 8 feet high, erected to perpetuate to posterity the remembrance 
of a virtuous youth. 

Here rests his head upon the lap of earth, 

A youth to fortune and to fame unknown ; 
Fair science frovvn'd not on his humble birth, 

And goodness early mark'd him for her own. 
By virtue guided through life's low'ring vale, 

Fate kindly snatch'd him to this drear abode, 
Where sweet oblivion reigns, and points the way 

Which leads him to the presence of his God. 
Then drop, kind passenger, one friendly tear 

On youthful innocence which lies below ; 
His merit claims it, — and his worth invites 

The tender heart this tribute to bestow. 



In Jill Saints' Church-yard, Newcastle, England, 

Here lies poor Wallace, 

The Prince of good fellows, 
Clarke of All-hallows, 
And maker of Bellows. 
He bellows did make till the day of his death ; 
But he that made bellows could never make breath. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 291 

IN DONCASTER CHURCH-YARD, YORKSHIRE, ENG. 

This stone protects the remains of Caleb Ingham, and Margaret 
his wife; the former, in consequence of a fall from his horse down 
a precipice of 25 feet, expired on the 30th day of Jan. 1791, 
aged 35 years; the latter, aged 33 years, sustained her loss 
only fourteen days after him. 

Wing'd with pure joy the peaceful moments flew, 
Till dire mischance their nuptial filiss o'erthrew 5 
He wrapt in fatal gloom one dismal night, 
Torn from a tender wife, her soul's delight ; 
Amaz'd with horror, petrified with grief, 
Nor sighs, nor tears, could yield her heart relief } 
Meek and resign'd she gave to silent woe 
Those tedious hours her spirit paus'd below ; 
Which, bursting from this prison-house of clay, 
Soon join'd her partner in the realms of day. 



IN FOLKSTONE CHURCH-YARD, KENT, ENGLAND. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

MARGARET MAJOR, 

AND HER THREE INFANTS. 

A Rose that freshly bloom'd, but soon decay'd, 
And three fair lilies by its side are laid ; 
Like some sweet blossom nipt by wintry frost, 
The leaves all scatter'd, and their beauties lost j 
Still shall the fruit at last perfection gain, 
And ripen in a world unknown to pain ; 
Where no rude blast can blight their tender forms, 
No wintry tempest, nor no howling storms ; 
Where peaceful summer ever smiles serene, 
And an eternal sunshine decks the scene. 



292 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In St. Andrew's Church-yard, Plymouth, England. 

These little babes no guile e'er knew, 
On earth some vital air they drew, 

Then soon was snatch'd from hence : 
Happier than those of riper years, 
Who travelling through a world of cares, 

Possess sweet innocence. 



SERIOUS REFLECTIONS ON LIFE. 

What art thou, life? so courted by mankind! 

What are the pleasures of thy happiest day ? 
A gaudy meteor, dancing on the wind, 

Admir'd while fleeting, like the smoke, away! 

Is then existence deem'd so great a good, 

That ev'ry thought of death should teem with dread? 
Ev'n to the wretch, depriv'd of friend or food, 

Who wrings from charity his daily bread? 

Is it, that man attempts, with eager clasp, 
To hold the present — doubtful of his doom ; 

Imploring respite, at his latest gasp, 

And shock'd with horror at the yawning tomb? 

Doth Heaven's unusual terrors then display, 
To melt the soul — the stubborn neck to bend, 

Or powerful nature vindicate her sway, 

And ev'ry passion rouse, for some great end? 

The restless monarch, toss'd in storms of state, 

Begs the continuance of his regal toil ; 
The labouring hind implores a longer date, 

Tho' doom'd with sweating brow, to till the soil. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 293 

The laurel'd chief, train'd up in war's alarms, 

Prompt in th' ensanguin'd field to yield his breath ; 

Yet, lull'd in peace, and bless'd with beauty's charms, 
Begins to tremble at th' approach of death. 

Alike the vig'rous youth and blooming maid, 
Aghast, behold the grisly king advance ! 

The hoary sire, and hag, with age decay'd, 
Shrink from the blow, and tremble at his lance. 

See, the lone widow, o'er yon mournful bier, 
Of her lost Lord, oppress'd with tender grief; 

Heave the deep sigh, in silence drop a tear, 
Or call on death, to give her woes relief. 

When lenient time hath sooth'd her troubled breast, 
And some new consort cheers her drooping heart; 

Should Death appear, and promise endless rest, 
She'd eye, affrighted, his unerring dart. 

But happy he, whom conscious virtue gives 

A soul serene, a firm undaunted mind ! 
In peace secure, in hope content he lives, 

And when his fate demands him, dies resign'd. 



In Henley-upon-Thames Church-yard, Oxfordshire, England, 

Soft as the balm the gentle gale distils, 
Sweet as the fragrance of the new-mown fields ; 
Her op'ning mind a thousand charms reveal'd, 
Proofs of those thousands which were yet conceal'd ; 
The lov'liest flowers in nature's garden plac'd, 
To bloom permitted, and decay'd in haste. 



294 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

IN NEWBURY CHURCH-YARD, BERKSHIRE, ENG. 

TO THE 

MEMORY OF THOMAS GREEN, 

IWio ivas in General Lord Guy Dorchester's Troop 15, aged 22 

years. 

Stop, pensive wanderer, at this awful spot, 
Reslect awhile, for this will be thy lot! 
Some painful illness, or a deep decline, 
May snatch thy life, as it has done by mine. 
No more in battles when with comrades dear, 
The youthful soldier's body resteth here : 
But what avails, my friends — the conflict's o'er! 
Then cease your tears, and grieve for me no more ; 
My soul does duty at the heavenly throne, 
Whilst loving comrades give my clay this stone ; 
And as 1 pass'd the awful vale of Death, 
Celestial joys I felt in parting breath. 



Man's life, like a weaver's shuttle flies, 

Or, like a tender flower, fades and dies ; 

Or, like a race, it ends without delay, 

Or, like a vapour, vanishes away ; 

Or, like a candle, it each moment wastes, 

Or, like a vessel, under sail it hastes ; 

Or, like the post, it gallops very fast, 

Or, like the shadow of a cloud, 'tis past ; 

Our castles are but weak, and strong the foe, 

Our time's but short, our death is certain too *, 

But, as his coming is a secret still, 

Let us be ready, come death when he will. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 295 

MARTIN STEPHENSON, 

OP KENTMEER, WESTMORELAND, ENGLAND. 

Died in 1782, aged 1 17 years. 

He began his career in life with a capital of only sixteen 
shillings, and ended it with leaving, by will, eighteen thousand 
pounds, accumulated by industry and parsimony. He died a 
bachelor. His only domestics were his housekeeper and his 
dog ; and he left his whole fortune to a man who was not re- 
lated to him. 



Died, in the year 1783, aged 101, 

« 

Mr. WRENCH, 

GARDENER, 
OF FULHAM, MIDDLESEX, ENGLAND. 

He had by two wives, thirty-two children ; and died in the 
same room in which he was born. 



In St Peter's Church-yard, Oxford, England. 

Those who from sin are free, 

Here cast a stone ; 

When of his faults you've thought, 

Think on your own ; 

His sins all ceased 

When he resign'd his breath ; 

And if you know them, shun them; 

And think of Death. 



296 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

ON THE 

DAUGHTER OF HANS STANLEY, Esq. 

Who died at Southampton, 1738. 

Here, Stanley, rest, escap'd this mortal strife, 
Above the joys, beyond the woes of life ; 
Fierce pangs no more thy lively beauties stain, 
And sternly try thee with a year of pain: 
No more sweet Patience, feigning oft relief, 
Lights thy sick eye to cheat a Parent's grief: 
With tender art, to save her anxious groan, 
No more thy bosom presses down its own : 
Now well-earn'd peace is thine, and bliss sincere ; 
Ours be the lenient, not unpleasing tear ! 
O born to bloom, then sink beneath the storm ; 
To shew us Virtue in her fairest form ; 
To shew us artless Reason's moral reign, 
Which boastful Science arrogates in vain 
Th' obedient passions, knowing each their Dart, 
Calm light the head, and harmony the heart. 
Yes, we must follow soon ; we'll glad obey : 
When a few suns have roll'd their cares away; 
Tir'd with vain life, we'll close the willing eye ; 
'Tis the great birthright of mankind to die : 
Blest be the bark which wafts us to the shore, 
Where death-divided friends shall part no more! 
To join thee there, — here with thy dust repose, — 
Is all the hope thy hapless Mother knows. 

James Thomson.* 

* See the Poet's Seasons, 

" And art thou, Stanley, of that sacred band ?" 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 297 

In Babraham Church, Cambridgeshire, England. 

ON AN ALTAR TOMB. 

Charles Offord, gent. April 27, 1757. 39. — Also Oli- 
ver Hinson Offord, his son, Oct. 18, 1758, in his infancy. 
Like leaves on trees the race of Man is found, 
Now green in youth, now with'ring on the ground $ 
Another race the following Spring supplies, 
They fall successive, and successive rise ; 
So generations in their course decay, 
So flourish these when those are past away. 



WELSH EPITAPH. 

In the Church-yard of Llanrhaider (near Denbigh Cas- 
tle) is a common altar-tomb of a Gentleman, who chose to 
build his fame on the long series of ancestors which distin- 
guished his from vulgar clay. It tells us, that 

HEARE LYETH THE BODY OF 

JOHN, AP ROBERT, OF PORTH, AP 

DAVID, AP GRIFFITH, AP DAVID 

VAUCHAN, AP BLETHYN, AP 

GRIFFITH, AP MEREDITH, 

AP JERWORTH, AP LLEWELYN, 

AP JERORH, AP HEILIN, AP 

COWRYD, AP CADVAN, AP 

ALAWGWA, AP CADELL, THE 

KING OF POWYS, WHO 

DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE 

XX DAY OF MARCH, IN THE 

YEAR OF OUR LORD GOD 

1642, AND OF 

HIS AGE XCV. 

2P 



29S SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

ON 

CLAUDE PHILLIPS, 

An itinerant Musician. 

Phillips! whose touch harmonious could remove 
The pangs of guilty Power, or hapless Love ; 
Rest here, oppress'd by Poverty no more, 
Here find that calm thou gav'st so oft before ; 
Sleep undisturb'd within this peaceful shrine, 
Till Angels wake thee with a strain like thine. 

Samuel Johnson. 



IN MEMORY OF 

Mr. THOMAS PAYNE, 

Who died February 2, 1799, aged 82 years. 

Around this Tomb, ye Friends of Learning, bend ! 

It holds your faithful, tho' your humble Friend : 

Here lies the Literary Merchant, Payne, 

The countless Volumes, that he sold, contain 

No name by liberal Commerce more carest 

For virtues, that become her votary's breast ; 

Of cheerful probity, and kindly plain, 

He felt no wish for disingenuous gain ; 

In manners frank, in manly spirit high, 

Alert good-nature sparkled in his eye ; 

Not learn'd, he yet had Learning's power to please. 

Her social sweetness, her domestic ease : 

A Son, whom his example guides and cheers, 

Thus guards the hallow'd dust, his heart reveres ; 

Love bade him thus a due Memorial raise, 

And friendly Justice penn'd this genuine praise. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 29$ 

ON THE LATE 

SIR JAMES STONHOUSE, Bart. 

RECTOR OP GREAT AND LITTLE CHIVEREL, WILTS, ENGLAND. 

Stonhouse no more shall charm the list'ning ear, 
But future ages shall his works revere ; 
Momentous truths adorn each pithy line, 
And every precept ' breathes a strain divine.' 
Mourn, mourn, ye poor ; your heavy loss deplore, 
Your gen'rous benefactor is no more! 
Full eighty years the pious Veteran stood 
A living monument of all that's good! 
Farewell, blest shade ! accept the grateful tear 
Of one who holds thy memory most dear! 



Major Gardiner wrote the following lines, which he par- 
ticularly requested of his Executor might be engraved on 
his Tomb. 

RICHARD GARDINER, Esq. 

Died Sept. 14, 1781, in the 5Sth year of his age. 

The Man beset with every earthly woe ; 
Whose Bosom Friend turns out his deadly Foe ; 
Whose mind's distracted with corroding care ; 
Whose body's rack'd beyond his power to bear ; 
Whose Wife and Children bear imperious sway 
O'er him they ought to cherish and obey ; 
Where one Man meets with all these ills combin'd, 
The Grave's the only refuge such a Wretch can find* 



300 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 



COPY OF AN INSCRIPTION IN THE CHAPEL OF HAMILTON- 
PALACE, IN SCOTLAND. 

Erected by her Grace Sarah Duchess of Hamilton and Argyle, in memory of her son George 
James, Duke of Hamilton and Brandon, who died July 7, 1769, in the 11th year of his age. 

All the reflected dignity that shines 

Thro' the long annals of two Princely lines, 

And all that lib'ral Nature could impart 

To charm the eye, or captivate the heart, 

A bosom glowing with fair honour's flame, 

A thirst of science, and a love of fame, 

With ev'ry genuine mark that could presage 

Intrinsic greatness in maturer age, 

Adorn'd the youthful tenant of this tomb, 

Torn from his country's hope in vernal bloom. 

Whoe'er thou art who view'st this plaintive stone, 

If e'er thy soul exulted o'er a son, 

And public fame, avowing his desert, 

Echo'd the praises of thy partial heart ; 

Tho' all may mourn — 'tis thou alone canst know 

The piercing anguish of a mother's woe. 



Died, March 24th, 1799, aged 81 years, Wm. Master, Esq. 
at his house in Paragon-buildings, Bath, England. In the 
early part of his life he was a Colonel in the army ; and, 50 
years ago, in Flanders, was shot through the lungs, the effect 
of which wound cured him of an asthma ; insomuch that the 
(military) Duke of Cumberland, under whom he served, used 
to say jocosely to his officers, when any of them laboured un- 
der an internal complaint, " You must get shot through the 
lungs, like Master." He, however, retired from the service 
soon after this accident, though it does not appear to have 
shortened his life. He was uncle to the present M. P. for 
Chichester. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 301 

AT BURTON PYNSENT, ENGLAND, 

Is a beautiful Urn, in memory of the illustrious EARL of CHAT- 
HAM, and father of the Hon. Wm. Pitt. It was executed by 
the celebrated Mr. Bacon, who prepared the statue of his Lord- 
ship for Westminster Abbey. The following lines were written 
by the EarPs Lady, and engraven on the Urn, in 1781. 

Sacred to pure affection, 

This simple Urn 

Stands a witness of unceasing grief: for him 

who, 

Excelling in whatever is most admirable, 

And adding to the exercise of the sublimest 

virtues the sweet charms of refined 

sentiments and polished wit, 

By social commerce 

Rendered beyond comparison happy 

The course of domestic life, 

And bestowed a felicity inexpressible 

- on her 

Whose faithful love was blessed in a pure return 

that raised her above every other joy 

but the paternal one, 

and that still shared with him. 

His generous country with public monuments 

Has eternized his fame. 

This humble tribute 

is to sooth the sorrowing breast 

of private woe. 

To the dear memory of 

WILLIAM PITT, EARL OF CHATHAM, 

This marble is inscribed by Hester, 

His beloved wife. 



302 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

Remarkable instance both of Longevity and Health, in the TUR- 
NOUGHS of the Binns, a family of note and property in the 
neighbourhood of Rochdale, in Lancashire, England. 

John Turnough the father, aged 88 — his wife 86 — James, 
the eldest son, 65 — John, the second, 61 — Molly, the eldest 
daughter, 59 — Jonathan, the third son, 55 — Abraham, the 
fourth, 53— Benjamin, the fifth, 51 — Joseph, the sixth, 48 — 
Susan, the youngest daughter, 45 — and Isaiah, the youngest 
son, a clergyman now residing in Cambridgeshire, 42 years 
old. The seven sons and two daughters are all living and in 
good health, and what is remarkable, there has not been a 
funeral from that house for near eighty years. 

Binns is a mountain village in the township of Butterworth, 
situated upon a bosomed declivity to the south, by which 
favoured position the inhabitants receive the first beams of 
the sun, that drive away the morning vapours, are warmed 
and invigorated with his genial heat all the day, and are cheer- 
ed and comforted with the last departing rays of that glorious 
luminary : the soil, in general, round the village is a light 
brown or hazel mould, spread over a porous rocky bed, that 
is ever ready to imbibe all noxious br superfluous moisture ; 
from the bowels of that rocky bed gush out many a purling 
rill. 



Died, March 1799, Abraham Newman, Esq. at his house 
in Fenchurch-street. He was one of the richest citizens of 
London, and an happy instance of the wonderful powers of 
accumulation by the steady pursuit of honourable industry. 
Without speculation or adventure he acquired 600,0007. as a 
grocer. He retired from trade about four years ago ; but, so 
forcible was his habit, that he came every day to the shop, and 
ate his mutton at two o'clock, the good old city hour, with his 
successors. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 303 



Died, January 17th, 1815, at Calais, France, EMMA, widow of Sir WM. HAMILTON. The 
Origin of this Lady was very humble, and sbe had experienced all those vicissitudes in early 
life which too generally attend females whose beauty has betrayed them into vice, and which 
unhappily proves the chief means of subsistence. Few women, who have attracted the notice 
of the wos Id at large, have led a life of more freedom. When, however, she became such an 
object of admiration as to attract the attention of Painters, she formed connexions which, if 
she had conducted herself with prudence, might have raised her into independence, if not 
affluence. Romney, who evidently felt a stronger admiration for her than what he might be 
Supposed to entertain merely as an Artist, made her the frequent subject of his pencil. His 
admiration remained till the close of his life in undiminished ardour. The late Charles Gre- 
ville, well known for his refined taste in virtue, and who was a prominent character in the 
world of gallantry, was the Protector, to use the well-bred language of the polite circles, of 
Lady Hamilton, for some years ; and when his uncle, the late Sir William Hamilton, wanted 
to take abroad with him a chere amie, he recommended the Lady with so good a character, 
that Sir William took her with him ; and, having a reliance on her fidelity, married her. Sir 
William returned to this country, fo> the purpose of getting her introduced at Court, in order 
to procure a similar honour for her at the Court of Naples ; but found it impossible for him 
to enable her to pass over that chaste barrier which defends the purity of British majesty. 
Sir William, therefore, returned to Naples ; and the Lady, by her own talents and assiduity 
recommended herself so well to the King and Queen of that kingdom, that she became a great 
favourite with both, and particularly with the latter. The friendship between Lady Hamilton 
and our great Naval Hero, Nelson, is too well known to need any record in this place. It is, 
however, much to be regretted that she was induced to give "Letters" to the world, which 
were more calculated to display his private opinions and feelings, than to increase the lustre 
of his public character.— But she, perhaps, might urge the plea of Shakspeare's Apothecary, 
« My poverty, but not my will, consents."— By a codicil to his will, written an hour before the 
battle of Trafalgar, he confirmed al) the legacies be had made to her ladyship, and to her 
daughter, Horati* Nelson. This Document was found in the possession of Lady Hamilton. 
In private life, she was a humane and generous woman ; intoxicated with the flattery and ad- 
miration which attended her in a rank of life so different from the obscure condition in her 
early days, but always affable, kind, and obliging to all whom she had any opportunity of serv- 
ing by her influence. — Her Ladyship's death has occasioned another example of Freffch into- 
lerance, similar to that which occurred on the decease of Mademoiselle Rancour. In the vil- 
lage near Calais, where she died, there was no Protestant clergyman ; and no Catholic priest 
would officiate, because she was a heretic : sbe was even refused Christian burial ; no coffin 
was allowed, but the body was put in a sack, and cast in a hole. An English gentleman, hear- 
^g of this barbarity, had the body dug up, put in a coffin, and interred, though not in the 
church-yard. 



AT WELWYN, IN HERTFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND. 

By the celebrated Author of " Night Thoughts," 

Here lies my friend James Barker, 

Who was poor in Life, but is rich in Death. 

E.Y. 

1749. 



304 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

Description of a monument erected in Westminster Abbey, London, for MAJOR JOHN 
ANDRE, designed by Robert Adam, Esq. architect, and executed in statuary marble by Mr. 
P. M. Van Gelder, sculptor. 

This monument is composed of a sarcophagus, elevated on a pedestal, upon the pannel of 
which is engraved the following inscription : 

SACRED 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

Who was raised by his merit at an early period of his life to the 
rank of Adjutant General of the British forces in America, 
and employed in an important but hazardous enter- 
prise, fell a sacrifice to his zeal for his King 
and Country on the 2d of October, 1780, 
aged 29, universally beloved and es- 
teemed by the army in which he 
served, and lamented even 
by his foes. 

His (Jracious Sovereign King George III. has caused this 
monument to be erected. 

On the front of the sarcophagus, General Washington is re- 
presented in his tent, at the moment when he had received the 
report of the Court Martial held on Major Andre, at the same 
time a flag of truce arrived from the British army, with a let- 
ter for General Washington to treat for the Major's life. But 
the fatal sentence being already passed, the flag was sent back 
without the hoped-for clemency in his favour. Major Andre 
received his condemnation with that fortitude and resolution 
which had always marked his character, and is represented 
going with unshaken spirit to meet his doom. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 305 

In Blandford Church, Dorset, England, 

On Christopher Pitt, M. D. Elizabeth his wife, and 
Robert Pitt, M. A. Rector of Ower-Moigne, their eldest 
Son. 

BY THE LATE CHRISTOPHER PITT, M. A. 

Ye sacred spirits, while your friends distrest, 
Weep o'er your ashes, and lament the blest, 
Oh! let the pensive Muse inscribe your stone, 
And with the gen'ral sorrows mix her own ; 
The pensive Muse, who, from this mournful hour, 
Shall raise the voice and wake the string no more ; 
Of love, of duty, the last pledge receive, 
J Tis all a brother, all a son, can give. 



EPITAPH, 

WRITTEN BY SIR WILLIAM BROWNE, 

ON HIS SISTER. 

Farewell, sweet Maid! whom as bleak Winter sears 
The fragrant bud of Spring, too early blown, 
Untimely Death hath nipt. Here take thy rest, 
Inviolable here, while we, than thee 
Less favour'd, thro' the darksome vale of Life, 
Toil on in tears without thee. Yet not long 
Shall Death divide us. Rapid is the flight 
Of Life, more rapid than the turtle's wing, 
And soon our bones shall meet. Here may we sleep, 
Here wake together, and ' by his dear might' 
Who conquer'd Death for sinful man, ascend 
Together hence to an eternal home. 
2Q 



306 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

Robert Bowman died lately at Irthington, near Carlisle, 
England, in the 1 18th year of his age. From early youth he 
had been a laborious working man, and was at all times heal- 
thy and strong, having never taken medicine, nor been visited 
with any kind of illness, except the measles when a child, and 
the whooping cough when he was above one hundred years 
of age. He never was intoxicated but once, and never used 
tea nor coffee, and seldom tasted flesh meat. He scarcely 
ever used spirituous liquor or beer ; but drank water and milk 
and water. He never used tobacco in any way* He was of 
low stature, being but 5 feet 5 inches high. At the age of 50 
he married, and lived in wedlock 52 years, when his wife died, 
leaving him 6 sons. In IS 13 he took to his bed, and had not 
the use of his limbs afterwards, although his health continued 
good during the nine years of his confinement. On the 12th 
of Julj- he was seized with illness, which continued 14 hours ; 
he grew weaker and weaker as the day declined, but experi- 
enced no sickness ; about 8 in the evening he slept silently 
away in the arms of death, at the extraordinary age of one 
hundred and seventeen years and eight months. Reader! 
what chance is there of your arriving at the age of Bowman? 



ON 

Mr. CHESTER, 

OF CHICHELEY, ENGLAND. 

Tears flow and cease not, where the good man lies, 
Till all who know him follow to the skies ; 
Tears therefore fall where Chester's ashes sleep ; 
Him wife, friends, brothers, children, servants weep ; 
And justly — few shall ever him transcend, 
As husband, parent, brother, master, friend. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 307 

In Banbury Old Church, Oxfordshire, England. 

Graves are lodgings to the blest. 
Not of honour but of rest, 
Cabinets that safely keep 
Mortals' relicks while they sleep ; 
When the trump shall all awake, 
Ev'ry soul her flesh shall take, 
And from that which putrefies 
Shall immortal bodies rise ; 
In this Faith these liv'd and dy'd, 
In this Hope they here reside. 



ON A PEASANT. 

The Swain who own'd yon humble cot, 
Lies buried near this lonely spot : 
With his industrious faithful Wife, 
He trod the secret path of Life ; 
Nor knew the sorrows which await 
Grandeur, pre-eminence, or state. 

Here village maids, at ev'ning hour, 
Shall strew the newly-gather'd flower ; 
And Shepherd-lads assemble here, 
To shed a sympathetic tear. 

Whilst on the time-worn stone they spell, 
" Delusive world of woe farewell! 
" And welcome, welcome equal state, 
fcS Where all are good, and all are great!" 



308 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

IN ABERCONWAY CHURCH- YARD, NORTH WALES. 

Perhaps not any other town in the world could produce a 
record similar to that on a tombstone at Aberconway, which, 
in 1637, was placed on the grave of Nicholas Hookes, who 
was the forty-first son of his father by one wife, and himself 
the parent of 27 children. 



to the 

MEMORY OF MAJOR SCHILL, 

Wlio died in Germany under the reign of Bonaparte. A pillar teas 
erected in an open field, near Stralsund, on which was the fol- 
lowing inscription : 

Who rests this nameless mound beneath, 
Thus rudely pil'd upon the heath ? 
Naked to winds' and waters' sweep 
Does here some gloomy outcast sleep? 
Yet many a footstep freshly round 
Marks it as lov'd — as holiest ground. 

Stranger! this mound is all the grave 
Of one who liv'd as live the brave, 
Nor ever heart's devoted tide 
More nobly pour'd than when he died! 
Stranger! no stone might dare to tell 
His name who on this red spot fell! 

These steps are steps of German men, 
That, when the tyrant's in his den, 
Come crowding round with midnight tread 
To vow their vengeance o'er the dead. 
Dead ! no, that Spirit's lightning still, 
Soldier! thou seest the grave of SchillL 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 309 

Upon a tombstone in Linham Church, Kent, England, there 
is an inscription, which states that Mary Honywood, wife of 
Robert Honywood, Esq. of Chearing, near Linham, had, at 
the time of her death, 367 descendants, of whom 16 were chil- 
dren of her own body, 114 grand-children, 228 great grand- 
children, and 9 in the fourth generation. 



King James the First, King of England, on taking a royal 
excursion into Herefordshire, was elegantly entertained at the 
seat of Mr. Serjeant Hoskins, a gentleman of considerable for- 
tune ; and as an instance of the longevity of the inhabitants 
of that county, he procured ten old men and women, whose 
ages together amounted to more than 1000 years, to dance 
the Morrice before the king. 



At Dent, a village near Askrig, a market town in the North- 
Riding of the County of York, England, there lived two per- 
sons, a father and son, who, in 1664, were summoned as wit- 
nesses upon a trial at the York Assizes ; the father was 139 
years of age, and the son upwards of 100. 



Died, in 1773, the Rev. Mr. Luke Imber, aged 90 years, 
of Christchurch, in Hants, and. one of his Majesty's Justices 
of the Peace for that county. Though he possessed a gen- 
teel income, he affected the dress of the lowest indigence. At 
the age of 83 he married a country girl of 13. He desired, 
in his will, that he might be buried in an old chest, which he 
had for some time kept by him for that purpose ; and that 
the bearers should have each of them a pair of tanned leather 
gloves, and a new pair of shoes, which were given accordingly* 



310 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 



IN GULVAL CHURCH-YARD, NEAR PENZANCE, CORNWALL, ENG. 

Lady Knightly inscribes this marble to the memory of her much-loved Niece, LYDIA BAINES, 
whose lingering sufferings ended on the 3d of March, 1799, aged 21 years. 

'Tis finished ! life's eventful dream is o'er, 

And thy poor troubled bosom beats no more! 

That voice, which all in earth and heaven obey, 

Has call'd thee early from this scene away! 

Yet hope divine my flowing fancy warms, 

Deck'd with new charms I view thy angel form. 

Awake, my Lydia, lift that raptur'd sight, 

To yon blest realms of everlasting light ; 

Upborne on seraph's wings I see thee rise 

In blissful triumph to thy kindred skies ; 

There pain and grief, and sighs and tears, will cease. 

And those will meet in joy who part in peace. 



At Skipton, in the West-Riding of the County of York, 
there lived one Robert Montgomery, a native of Scotland, 
who, at the age of 126 years, supported himself by begging 



In Vol. 28. of the Transactions of the Royal Society in 
London, Doctor Slare relates that his grandfather, who was 
a native of Bedfordshire, England, had all his teeth strong 
and firm at the age of 80 ; after which time he lost them all, 
and had a new set. His hair also., which had grown white, 
about this time became darker ; and he remained in good health 
to the 100th year of his age, and even then he died in conse- 
quence of the fulness of blood. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 311 

At Thirlby, in the North-Riding of Yorkshire, lived one 
Mary Allison, who, at the age of 106 years, spun a web of 
linen cloth, and lived to 108. 



Some of the inhabitants of the islands of Scotland live to 
most astonishing ages. Mr. Martin, who wrote a Natural 
History of these islands, relates, that in his time there was a 
gentleman living in Stonsa, one of the Orkney islands, who 
had a son then in the 110th year of his age ; and not long 
before died one William Muir, a native of Westra, another 
of the Orkney islands, at the age of 140 years. He further 
relates, that when he was at Jura, one of the western isles, 
there was a man then living on that island who had kept 180 
Christmas's at his own house. 



In Great Yarmouth Church-yard, England, 
How blest the change that I have made, 
From sickness' painful, awful shade, 
To joy and bliss! which to obtain 
An earth I lost, and Heaven I gain'd. 



In Scarborough Church-yard, Yorkshire, England, 

While here on earth, my Jesus did impart 
His love, and kept the issues of my heart ; . 
On him my want, my every care was cast, 
And through his mercy heard my prayer at last. 
Adieu, my partner, while I shall explore, 
And hail you welcome on the blissful shore! 
And you, my friends, who strove to sooth ray cares, 
May Heaven your portion^ be to endless years. 



312 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Deptford Church-yard, Kent, England. 

Tho' young she was, her youth could not withstand, 
Nor her protect from death's impartial hand : 
Life's but a cobweb, be we e'er so gay, 
And death's the broom that sweeps us all away. 



In Farringdon Church-yard, Berkshire. England. 

Far more than life to my fond bosom dear, 
Ne'er shall thy converse charm my list'ning ear ; 
Nor shall my arms enfold thee to my breast, 
Yet there still faithful to its lov'liest guest, 
There thy dear form shall ever dwell imprest. 



IN ST. MARTIN'S CHURCH, LEICESTER, ENGLAND. 

HERE LYETH BURIED THE EODIE OF 

JOHN HENRICHE, 

Of this parish, who departed this life the 2d of Apriell, 15S9,beinge 
about the age of 76 years. 

He did marry Marie the daughter of John Bond, of War- 
dend, in the county of Warwicke, Esq. who lived with the said 
Marie in one house full 52 years, and in that tyme never bu- 
ried man, woman, or child, though there were sometimes 20 in 
household ; he had issue by the said Marie 5 sons and 7 daugh- 
ters. He was Maior of the town in the year 1559, and again 
in 1 572. The said Marie his wife departed the 8th of Decem- 
ber, 1611, beinge of the age of 97 years. She did see before 
her departure of her children, and children's children, and their 
children, to the number of 142. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 31 * 

In Torrington Church-yard, Devonshire, England, 

A stranger here, a pilgrim upon earth, 
I haste to Him from whom I had my breath ; 
From far I came, but farther am I gone, 
Beyond the stars, beyond the setting sun ; 
Here rest in hope till time shall be no more, 
And the last trump my dust to life restore. 



In Stoke-Dameral Church-yard, Devonshire, England, 

Ere the meridian sun of life had shone, 
Death shot his dart — the immortal spirit fled! 
From husband, child, and friend, how quickly gone! 
Beneath she rests among the sleeping dead. 



In Hatfield Church-yard, Hertfordshire, England- 

Alas ! my painful pilgrimage is past ; 
And wilt thou mourn that rest is come at last: 
Rather rejoice to see me shake off life, 
To die, as I have liv'd — thy faithful wife. 



In St. Mary's Church-yard, Bury St. Edmund's, Suffolk, Eng, 

Blithe was the morn of life, serene the day, 
When call'd to leave this tenement of clay ; 
Death's fatal arrow pierc'd my youthful heart, 
Severe the stroke, and vulnerable his dart. 
Mourn not, my friends, the call by God was given, 
Whose fost'ring hand conducts us safe to Heaven. 
No. 14. 2R 



314 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

IN STREATHAM, SURREY, ENGLAND. 

EXTRAORDINARY STORY OP 

ELIZABETH RUSSEL 

Which is recorded in the Church Register of Streatham. 
u Russel, buried April 14, 1772. N.B. This person was 



always known under the guise or habit of a woman, and answered 
to the name of Elizabeth, as registered in this parish Nov. 21, 1669, 
but at death proved to be a man." 

In speaking of this extraordinary person, in order to avoid con- 
fusion it may be necessary to make use of the masculine gender, how- 
ever oddly it may be sometimes combined. The various ad ven- 
tures of his life would have formed a volume as entertaining as those 
of the celebrated Bampfylde Moore Carew, whom this said article 
had accompanied in many of his rambles, and from whom proba- 
bly he first took the hint of disguising his sex to answer some tem- 
porary purpose. The parish register mentions that John Russel 
had three daughters, and two sons ; William, born in 1669, and 
Thomas, in 1672 ; there is little doubt that the person here record- 
ed was one of the two ; and that when he assumed the female 
dress, he assumed also the name of his sister Elizabeth, who pro- 
bably either died in her infancy, or settled in some remote part of 
the country ; under this name, in the year 1770, he applied for a 
certificate of his baptism. He attached himself at an early period 
of life to the gypsies, and being of a rambling disposition visited 
most parts of the continent as a stroller or vagabond. When ad- 
vanced in years he settled at Chipstead in Kent, where he kept a 
shop. Sometimes he travelled the country with goods, in the cha- 
racter of a married woman, having changed his maiden name to 
that of her husband who carried the pack, and to his death was 
his reputed widow, being known by the familiar appellation of 
Bet Page. 

In the course of his travels he attached himself much to itine- 
rant physicians, learned their nostrums, and practised their art. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 315 

His long experience gained him the character of a most infal- 
lible doctress, to which profession he added that of an astrologer, 
and practised both with great profit ; yet such was his extrava- 
gance, that he died worth six shillings only. It was a custom with 
him to spend whatever he had in his pocket at an ale-house, where 
he usually treated his companions. About twelve months previous 
to his death he came to reside at his native place. His extraordi- 
nary age procured him the notice of many of the most respectable 
families in the neighbourhood, particularly that of Mr. Thrale, in 
whose kitchen he was often entertained. 

Dr. Johnson, who found him a sensible person, with a good me- 
mory, was very fond of conversing with him. His faculties indeed 
were so little impaired by age, that a few days before he died, he 
had planned another ramble, in which his landlord's son was to 
have accompanied him. His death was very sudden ; the surprise 
of the neighbours may be well imagined, upon finding that the per- 
son, who, as long as the memory of any one then living could reach, 
had always been esteemed and reputed to be a woman, was disco- 
vered to be a man ; and the wonder was the greater as he had lived 
much among women, and had frequently been his landlady's bed- 
fellow when an unexpected lodger came to the house. Among 
other precautions, to prevent the discovery of his sex, he constantly 
wore a cloth tied under his chin ; the motive was unsuspected. Af- 
ter his death a large pair of nippers were found in his pocket, with 
which it is supposed he endeavoured to remove by degrees all to- 
kens of manhood from his face. It may be observed, that suppo- 
sing him to be the younger son of John Russel, he would have 
been 100 years of age ; if he were the elder, his age would have 
been 103. 

He himself used to say that he was 108. He had the mixture 
of the habits and employments of both sexes 5 for though he would 
drink hard with men, whose company indeed he chiefly affected, 
yet he was an excellent sempstress, and celebrated for making a 
good shirt. There was a wildness and eccentricity in his general 
conduct which frequently bordered on insanity. 



316 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Kingston Church-yard, Hampshire, England. 
Oh! much lamented dust that sleepeth here, 
Torn from my bleeding heart in life's noon-day ; 
Thy virtues fair demand the indebted tear, 
Thy-once lov'd tender husband's doom'd to pay. 



In the same Church-yard 

Jesus, her glorious Captain, won the day, 
And of his sting disarm'd the Tyrant Death, 

Remov'd the horrors of the gloomy way, 

And with sweet anthems fill'd her fault'ring breath. 



In the same Church-yard. 
Confide not, reader, in thy youth or strength, 

But more than both the present moment prize ; 
Graves here surround thee of each breadth and length, 

And thou may'st be, perhaps, the next that dies. 



In St. Matthew's Church-yard, Ipswich, Suffolk, England. 
Life's like a flower, with op'ning morn arise, 
And flourishing the day, at evening dies! 
On transitory things ne'er fix thy bliss, 
And lose a better life to come for this. 




In St. Stephen's Church-yard, St. Albans, Herts, England. 
Happy infant, early blest, 
Rest, in peaceful slumber rest! 
Early rescued from the cares 
Which doth increase in growing years. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 317 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

MISS MARGARET ANDREWS. 

She was the only child of Sir Henry Andrews, Bart, and his Lady 
Elizabeth, of Lathbury, in the county of Bucks, England; an 
extraordinary pious young Lady, who died at the age of 14 years. 

Stop, traveller, 

and learn in a few words the true character of that young Lady, 

whose precious remains 

are deposited under this marble pavement, 

which in her departing moments she was desirous 

should be laid as a sepulchral covering, 

not only her own ashes but those of her ancestors. 

She was an accomplished person, 

the hope and love of her parents, 

and the delight and ornament of her family ; 

her bosom was the temple of modesty, purity, and benevolence 5 

the pomp of the world she disdained ; 

The powers of Satan she vanquished, for God dwelt in her, 

and she dwelt in God. 

An angelic band, rejoiced to fulfil the divine order, 

on triumphal wings bore away the precious gem to its native skies. 

The casket, which contained this incomparable jewel, 

as it was formed of earth, so it was returned thither, 

and is here deposited till the appointed day 

which shall restore it in immortal glory. 

Wonder not, stranger, 

that the soul of this excellent person made so short a visit to our world, 

as her prayers and devout breathings 

were the wings and gales that wafted her sanctified spirit 

to the realms on high. 

Depart, traveller, 
ponder, and be wise. 



318 



IN THE 

FIRST BAPTIST BURIAL-GROUND, PHILADELPHIA. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

JOHN ASHMEAD, 

Who departed this life, June 6, 1818, aged 79 years and 8 months, 
and who had made 100 voyages to Europe and the East Indies, 
The epitaph was written by himself, but not as yet inscribed on 
his tomb. 

In life's hard bustle o'er the troubled seas, 

Through many a storm and many a prosperous breeze. 

Through summer's heat and winter's chilling blast, 

From torrid to the frigid zone I've past, 

Through sickly climes, where each contagious breath 

Spread desolation by untimely death ; 

One hundred voyages, through unnumbered toils, 

I've sail'd, at least five hundred thousand miles ; 

Been taken, sunk, and oft-times cast away, 

Yet weather'd all in this close port to lay, 

Where a dead calm my wearied bark doth find, 

Obliged to anchor for the want of wind ; 

Here, undisturb'd, at rest I shall remain, 

Till the last trump calls up all hands again : 

And what new perils I shall then go through, 

No human reason ever yet could show ; 

But the same Power that leads through earth and sea, 

Will doubtless lead me through eternity. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 319 

In the First Baptists' Burial-ground, Philadelphia. 

IN MEMORY OF THE 

REV. MORGAN JOHN RHEES, 

A native of Glamorganshire, South Wales ; born December $th % 
1760; died at Somerset, Pennsylvania, Dec. 7th, 1804. 

THE PATRIOT DECEASED FROM THE SERVICE OF HIS ADOPTED 

COUNTRY ! 

THE CHRISTIAN CEASED IN THIS TABERNACLE TO GROAN ! 

THE PREACHER OF JESUS FINISHED HIS TESTIMONY ! 

His remains were, in 1806, removed to this family vault, from 
whence the Gospel of Jesus insures a Resurrection. 

Come waft on high, the heavenly envoys cry, 

We wait to bear thy spirit to the sky! 

He heard, — and with transport bade this world adieu, 

On their bright pinions up to Heaven he flew. 

Now in the bosom of his Saviour God 

He finds a calm, a joyful, safe abode! 

The precious dust, here mingling with the ground, 

Rests hopeful till the Archangel's trump shall sound ; 

Then fashioned like its Lord, the soul shall see 

The mortal put on immortality ! 

Adieu, lov'd friends ! soon shall our spirits meet, 

And cast our radiant crowns at Jesus' feet. 



In the' Cathedral Church-yard, New- York. 

Twine, gentle evergreen, and form a shade 
Around the tomb where my dear brother's laid, 
Redeem'd with sorrow's tear, an emblem prove 
His happy state in God's eternal love. 



320 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

IN THE 

UNIVERSALISTS' CHURCH-YARD, PHILADELPHIA. 

TO THE HONOURED REMAINS OP 

ISRAEL ISRAEL, Esq. 

Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of Penn. 

Thy relics sepulchred 'mid hosts of friends, 

'Mid hosts of Angels thy pure soul ascends, 

Great in the brilliant honours of a name, 

Unsullied by one deed of guilty shame, 

Thou claim'st the highest meed to mortals given, 

" Well done on earth, and glory's crown in Heaven." 

Departed March 17, 1822, aged 77 years. 

Israel Israel, at the time of the Revolutionary war, was in 
General Washington's army at Trenton, at which time the 
British army was stationed at Philadelphia. He having an 
aged mother in that city, and being apprehensive that she 
was in distress, at the risk of his life went down to see her ; 
and being about to return, was seized by the British, and ta- 
ken on-board a British ship of war, and sentenced to be han- 
ged for a spy. The rope was about his neck, and only 
waiting the signal from the captain to be run up to the yard- 
arm ; he made a sign, which the captain observing, gave im- 
mediate orders that he should be brought aft ; and although 
he had been treated previously in the most ignominious way, 
it was now changed to brotherly kindness; and after giving him 
all necessary refreshments, he was sent under the protection 
of a guard across the British lines, and returned him safe to 
the American army. He lived upwards of 40 years after, and 
was interred with Masonic honours. This singular circum- 
stance of his miraculous preservation was related at the time 
that his funeral sermon was preached. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 321 



In the Presbyterian Church-yard, Philadelphia 

Thy days without a cloud are past, 
And thou wast lovely to the last, 

Extinguish'd, not diseas'd; 
As stars that shoot along the sky 
Shine brightest as they fall from high, 

And blaze to where they staid. 



In the Catholic Cathedral Burying-ground, New- York. 

If love and piety thy bosom warm, 

And Heaven-born charity direct thy heart, 

Fear not the wreck of nature's sin at storm, 
'Tis but to fit thee for a nobler part. 



IN ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH-YARD, BROOM-STREET, 

NEW-YORK. 
TO THE MEMORY OF 

JAMES CHURCH, M.D. 

Who fell a sacrifice to the epidemic fever in this city, Oct. 2d, 180I ; 
in the 30th year of his age. 

The rising marble and the falling tear, 
Are all the aching heart can offer here ; 
The duteous task still gratitude will do, 
And own a weakness it can ne'er subdue ; 
Here grief in pride commemorates thy fate, 
Tho' ev'ry tear a pearl be dropt too late 
2S 



322 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In the Presbyterian Church-yard, Philadelphia. 

Bold infidelity turn pale and die, 
Under this stone an infant's ashes lie! 

Say, is he lost or sav'd? 
If death's by sin — he sin'd, for he lies here ; 
If Heaven's by works, in Heaven he can't appear, 

Ah! reason, how deprav'd! 
Revere the Bible's sacred page, the knot's unty'd, 
He died thro' Adam's sin,— he lives, for Jesus died. 



In the Presbyterian Burial-ground* Chrystie-street, New- York, 

ON TWO SISTERS. 

Fair marble ! tell to future days 

That here two virgin Sisters lie, 
Whose lives employ'd each tongue in praise, 

Whose death gave tears to every eye. 

In stature, beauty, years and fame, 
Together as they grew, they shone ; 

So much alike, so much the same, 

That Death mistook them both for one. 



In the First Baptist Burial-ground, Philadelphia. 

Redeeming love triumphant shone in death, 
Redeeming love employ'd his latest breath ; 
Earth could not hold what was to heaven consign'd, 
Grace wing'd the soul, which grace for Heav'n design'd. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 323 

IN MR. HUNTER'S BAPTIST BURIAL-GROUND, MARRIOt's-LANE, 
PHILADELPHIA. 

TO THE MEMORY OF ABEL BURK, 

Minister of the Gospel, who died of the small-pox in Philadelphia, 
January 27, 1817, aged 23 years. 

Tho' far from his native friends and land, 
Slain in youth by the pestilential hand, 
Yet bless'd of God and the Christian connexion, 
He triumph'd in hope of a glorious Resurrection, 



In the Negros* Burial-ground, Marriofs-lane, Philadelphia, 

Beneath this cold and lonely soil 

My lovely Henry's lain ; 
I murmur not, he's freed from toil, 

And in bright Eden's plain. 

I hope to meet him in the bow'rs 

Where Heavenly breezes blow, 
To taste life's fruits, and cull the flow'rs; 

O Lord! let it be so. 

Lydia^ 



In the Methodist Burial-ground, Queen-street. Philadelphia. 

Angels, rejoice! a child is born 
Into your happier world above ; 

Let poor short-sighted mortals mourn ! 
While on the wings of heavenly love 
An everlasting spirit flies, 

To claim his kindred in the skies. 



324 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In St. PauVs Burial-ground, Baltimore. 

Could blameless manners, or affection warm, 

Could the mild virtues, still to memory dear, 
Or innocence, the rage of death disarm, 

An early victim had not rested here, 
Nor had a husband mourn'd his doom severe ; 

Nor infant sorrows stream'd around this grave, 
Nor bending parents mix'd the falling tear: 

Such was her worth, could worth exception crave. 



In the First Baptist Burial-ground, Philadelphia. 

Without a sigh she left life's fleflting charms, 

Its setting-sun with holy lustre fir'd, 
And safe within her blest Redeemer's arms 

Her Heav'n began ere yet the lamp expir'd. 
To this dear spot, when shades of eve prevail, 

Shall fond affection oft delight to roam ; 
Here will her partner tell his mournful tale, 

And long for Angels' wings to bear him home. 



In the Dutch Burial-ground, Baltimore. 

Ordain'd to lose the partner of my breast, 
Whose virtues warm'd me, and whose virtues blest! 
Form'd every tie, that binds the soul to prove 
Her duty friendship, and her friendship love. 
Oh ! you that pensive seek instruction here, 
Thro' life's vicissitudes your course to steer, 
Approach this tomb, the urn beneath contains 
Her bodv — while her soul with God remains. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 325 

In St. PauVs Church-yard, New-York. 
ERECTED TO THE MEMORY 

OP 

GEORGE FREDERICK COOKE, 

BY EDMUND KEAN, 

Of the Theatre-Royal^ Drury-Lane, London. 
1821. 

THREE KINGDOMS CLAIM HIS BIRTH, 

BOTH HEMISPHERES PRONOUNCE HIS WORTH. 






In Mr. Hunter's Baptist Burial-ground, Philadelphia. 

How happy every child of grace 

Who knows his sins forgiven ! 
This ea*rth, he cries, is not my place, 

1 seek my place in Heaven 



Inthe Presbyterian Burial-ground, Chrystie-street, New-York. 

Beware, O youth, of life's deceitful charms ! 
Behold young Chauncy's tomb, and take alarm: 
For, like young Chauncy's, many a tomb aloud 
Exclaims, " prepare thee for an early shroud." 
If young like him, like him be wise, and think 
How near thou may'st be to life's awful brink! 
Like him make Christ your Saviour, God your friend, 
That thou, like him, ma}''st up to Heaven ascend, 



326 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

IN THE 

SIXTH PRESBYTERIAN BURIAL-GROUND, PHILA. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

Mrs. SUSANNA M'MULLIN, 

Whose life was instantaneously terminated by a stroke of lightning 
on the 1st of August, 1820, aged 25 years. 

Over thy grave fast flow our tears, 

We long will mourn thy death; 
Alas! how soon thy few short years 

Were numb'red here on earth! 
God's lightning came, thy spirit fled 

To seek thy native sphere, 
On Jesus' breast to rest thine head. 

Secure from pain and fear. 



In St. PauVs Burying-ground, Third-street, Philadelphia. 

Still lives the memory of departed worth, 
The tear is holy that bedews the sod ; 

Although the fading form is hid in earth, 
The living mind ascended to its God. 



Church, New-York. 

His spirit's fled, and reigns above 
In realms of joy, of peace, of love, 

And death has done his part. 
Why rear a tomb, a splendid tomb, 
To give his name to years to come? 

When rear'd, its in the heart. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 327 

."■ ' '■■" ■ '■',, " ■ ■ ■ „ ,, ( ■ . „ , , = 

In the Presbyterian Burial-ground, Chrystie-street, New-York. 

Choice in thy victim, cruel Death, to fade 

The op'ning glories of this beauteous flower, 
And thus to mantle in thy with'ring shade 

Such hopeful prospects in one fatal hour. 
Ah! fatal hour! hath science only fed 

The ruthless flame, his labours to consume? 
And virtue too, her brightest lustre shed, 

To make more visible Death's midnight gloom ? 
Mysterious Providence! thy ways are right, 

Directed by a hand unerring still ; 
And through thy frown our fairest prospects blight. 

We yield, submissive, to thy sov'reign will. 



IN TRINITY BURIAL-GROUND, BALTIMORE. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

ANN MARIA HAMILTON, 

Who was cruelly murdered on the 5th of Oct. 1 821, aged 14 years, 
and 1 1 months. 

Here lies a rose, a budding rose, 

Blasted before its bloom, 

Whose innocence did sweets disclose, 

Beyond that flower's perfume. 
.* ■ 

To those who for her loss are griev'd, 

This consolation's giv'n : 
She's from a world of woe reliev'd, 

And blooms a rose in Heaven. 

The above young lady was shot dead by a young- man who was desirous of paying his ad- 
dresses to her ; he then attempted to shoot himself, but being at the moment prevented, he was 
taken and lodged in the gaol at Baltimore ; he, however, refused to take any food, and died 
fcefora bii trial came on. 



328 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

IN ALBANY, STATE OF NEW-YORK. 
1 TO THE 

MEMORY OF ELIZABETH, 

Wife of the Rev. William Neill, who died Nov, 12, 1809, aged 26 

years. 

Unveil thy bosom, faithful tomb, 

Take this new treasure to thy trust, 
And give these precious relics room 

To seek a slumber in the dust. 
Nof pain, nor grief, nor anxious fear, 

Invade thy bounds ; no mortal woes 
Can reach the lovely sleeper here, 

And angels watch her soft repose. 
So Jesus slept, God's dying Son, 

Past through the* grave, and blest the bed! 
Rest here, fair friend, till from his throne 

The morning break, and pierce the shade. 



In the First Baptist Burial-ground, Philadelphia 

Stop, thoughtless mortal ! silent here we lie, 

To warn thee, living, " that thou soon must die." 



In the Presbyterian Church-yard, Philadelphia. 

Here, reader, make a solemn pause ! and know 
How fleeting are our sweetest joys below ! 
This grave contains the much-lov'd virtuous wife, 
And smiling infant, soon depriv'd of life* 
But still rejoice, the blissful hour will come, 
When both shall rise triumphant from the tomb. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 329 

In the Catholic Cathedral Church-yard, New-York. 

The curtain's drop'd, the scene's for ever clos'd, 
His spirit's fled, his body lies repos'd ; 
Cover'd by mother earth, it mould'ring lies, 
While his immortal soul wings to the skies. 



In St, PauVs Church-yard, New-York. 

Behold, 'tis come, the glorious morn ! 
Thy second birth ! from pain and death 
For ever freed : the great eternal scheme ! 



IN KINGSTON, STATE OF NEW-YORK, 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

Mrs. ANN TALLMADGE SUDAM, 

Who died January 15, 1809. 

Have you felt a spouse expiring, 

In your arms, before your view, 
Watch'd the lovely soul retiring, 

From her eyes that broke on you? 
Did not grief then grow romantic, 

Raving on remernber'd bliss? 
Did you not, with fervour frantic, 

Kiss the lips that felt no kiss? 
From that gloomy trance of sorrow, 

When you awoke to pangs unknown, 
How unwelcome was the morrow, 

For it rose on you alone. 
2T 



330 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In the Dutch Lutheran Burial-ground, Baltimore, 

Stop, passenger, and drop one pitying tear 
O'er the lamented form that moulders here! 
Sad proof, alas! how soon our bliss is flown, 
And but just tasted, is for ever gone! 

Yet, stay, lov'd shade! Ah! yet a moment here, 
Sweet pledge of all on earth my soul held dear! 
Ere long I'll rest secure from mortal strife, 
Where none will wish to part the man and wife. 



In the First Baptist Burial-ground, Philadelphia 

Near to his ashes let the cypress bloom, 

And o'er his head the weeping willows wave ; 

While zephyrs breathe a requiem by his tomb, 
And tell his victory o'er the boasting grave. 

Far from these scenes of woe his spirit flies, 

Where parting friends shall ne'er disturb his joy ; 

There faith and hope in full fruition rise, 

And praise and rapture all his powers employ. 



In the Second Presbyterian Burial-ground, Baltimore. 

Farewell, vain world, I've had enough of thee, 
And now am careless what thou say'st of me ; 
Thy smiles I court not, nor thy frowns 1 fear, 
My cares are past, and I rest quiet here ; 
What faults you have seen in me take care to shun, 
And look at home — enough is to be done. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 331 

' - • * — 

In Bridgewater, Mass. 

Laid in the dust he must abide 
Thus sleeping by his consort's side ; 
Ye children, living, come and see 
Where both your once-lov'd parents be ; 
Then follow in the path they trod, 
Till you shall rest with Christ in God. 



In St. Peter's Catholic Burial-ground, Baltimore, 

Friend, rever'd, this small memorial take, 
'Tis all, alas! a sorrowful wife can make, 
On this frail stone to mark her husband's worth, 
And claim the spot which holds the sainted earth. 

May thy innocent soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace! 

Amen. 



In the First Baptist Burial-ground, Philadelphia, 

Devoted Saint! thou hast run thy race, 

Thy pilgrimage is ended soon ; 
How few thy years! how short thy date! 

Thy morning sun is set at noon. 
Thy faithful friends that wait thee round, 

Thy fainting breath they fain would save j 
If they a ransom could have found, 

They would have clos'd the open'd grave. 
But cruel death that reigns below, 

And treats the human race with scorn, 
His hand it gave the fatal blow, 

And " dust to dust" clos'd up his mound. 



332 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 



In the First Baptist Church, Philadelphia. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

PATRICK TOMMINS. 

Behold, O passengers! of every stage, 
From blooming youth, to pale decrepit age, 
The lot which all must soon or late partake, 
For thus high Heaven decrees, and this is fate. 
Inurn'd the lifeless mouldering body lies, 
But swift as light th' immortal spirit flies 
To meet that doom, by which it fix'd remains 
In endless joy, or everlasting pains. 



In the Dutch Donkorts Burial-ground, near the JYcio College, 
Baltimore. 

Hard is the task to heal the bleeding heart, 
To bid the still-recurring thoughts depart; 
Calmly to dwell on all that pleas'd before, 
And yet to know, tljat all shall please no more. 



In the above Burial-ground. 

My tomb and death are Jesus' wounds, 
In him alone my bliss abounds ; 
His precious blood my wedding dress, 
And perfect joy and happiness. 
My body freed from all that's vain 
Will rise more gloriously again ; 
So that the blood of Christ, my Lord, 
Will both a grave and bed afford. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 333 

lathe Presbyterian Burial-ground, Chrystie-street, New-York. 

She is not lost! the rose that seems to die, 
Is but transplanted to its native sky. • 
When thou shalt mingle with thy parent clay, 
And thy freed spirit seek the realms of day, 
Thy Mary, glowing with celestial love, 
Shall chaunt thee welcome to the choirs above ; 
Explain the glories of that bright abode, 
Flutter her wings, and lead thee to thy God. 



In the Third Presbyterian Burial-ground, Philadelphia. 

Early devoted to the Saviour's cause, 
He sought with zeal the honour of his laws ; 
Through life a champion for the faith he stood. 
Jn death his peace, his hope, his rest in God. 



In St. PauVs Church-yard, New-York. 

IN MEMORY OF 

JOHN MOUNT, 

Who died June 10, 1821, aged 49 years. 

He's gone! the friend of every virtuous man, 

The orphans' father, and the widows' friend! 
The poor man's patron, and the first to plan 

A cheery comfort for affliction's door! 
To him, in vain misfortune ne'er applied, 

Nor knew the anguish of unjust reproof; 
The child of want his ready hand supplied, 

And found a shelter under his friendly roof. 



334 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Baltimore. 

To the memory of ELIZABETH, the precious consort, and 
of ELIZA, the darling daughter, of the Rev. John Glendy, 
pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church. 

If beauty, truth, and goodness, 
If fineness of mind, and delicacy of taste, 
If piety and purity, 

If the prayers and the tears of weeping relations, 

Could have rescued from the grave, 

This 

Sad monument had never been erected. 

Triumphing in the religion of Jesus, 

Death had to them neither bitterness nor sting. 

Consoled with the sweet hope 

And the steadfast assurance of their eternal bliss, 

We acquiesce, and say, 

Heaven's will be done! 



In the Dutch Donkorts Burial-ground, Baltimore. 

Reader! an angel's arm can't snatch me from the grave! 
;Legions of angels can't confine me here. 






In St. Paul's Church-yard, Neiv- York. 

Thy gentle spirit now is fled, 
Thy body in its earthy bed 

Is laid, in peaceful sleep. 
A spirit good and pure as thine, 
Blest in immortal scenes can shine, 

Though friends are left to weep. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 336 



IN NORTHBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

RABBI JUDAH MONIS, A.M. 

Who departed this life, April 25, 1764, aged 81 years. 

A native branch of Jacob see, 

Which once from off its olive broke, 
Regrafted from the living tree, 

Of the reviving sap partook. 
From teeming Zion's fertile womb, 

As dewy drops in early morn, 
Or rising bodies from the tomb, 

At once be Israel's nation born. 

Rabbi Judah Monis was by birth and religion a Jew, but he embraced the Christian faith, 
and was publicly baptized at Cambridge, A. D. 1722, and was appointed the Hebrew instruc 
tor at Harvard College, Cambridge. 



IN THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN BURIAL-GRQJJND, BALTIMORE* 

SACREL? 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

p CHARLES H. WILLIAMS, 
Who died February 21, 1798, by shipioreck, in his 28th year. 

Dear, sacred shade ! still hovering o'er our cares, 

We mourn our loss, bedew our couch with tears. 1 

But all is short of what is due to thee, 

As time moves on the more this truth we see ; 

Religion weeps, and thy fate bemoans, 

Thy worth, thy usefulness, so early done. 



33*6 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES, 



In St. Peter's Catholic Burial-ground, Baltimore. 

Think well, my friends, to Heaven's will resign'd, 
What's mine to-day, to-morrow may be thine ; 
The hour fast speeds upon the wing of time, 
Whilst erring man's absorb'd in senseless crime ; 
Though vice still staggers, though he must atone, 
And stand arraign'd before the heavenly throne. 
Ah! then beware! how short this human span' 
Yet how eternal is the life of man ! 



In the Dutch Burial-ground , Baltimore. 

Here to the dreary grave confin'd, 
He sleeps in death's dark gloom, 

Until the eternal morning wakes 
The slumber of the tomb. 



IN BRIDGEWARE, MASSACHUSETTS. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

CAPTAIN SETH ALDEN, 

♦ 
Who died in 1784, aged 75 years. 

The corpse in silent darkness lies, 
Our friend is gone, the Captain dies! 
In peace he liv'd, in peace he died, 
Sleeps sweetly by his consort's side. 
In this dark cell they both must lie 
Till the Archangel rends the sky, 
And Saints ascend to Christ on high-. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 33? 

IN ST. PETER'S, PHILADELPHIA. 

Blush not, recording marble, to proclaim 
Whate'er was mortal of a spotless name, 
Here lies entomb'd! th' immortal spark above 
Glows unextinguish'd in the realms of love, 
And in new worlds enjoys the enraptur'd bliss 
That crowns the virtues of the just in this : 
And just she was — if e'er imperfect man, 
By Heaven's kind aid, accomplish'd Heaven's plan ; 
Each human virtue triumph'd in her soul, 
And faith's ennobling signet stampt the whole. 
Yes, Mary ! such thou wast : and O ! may I 
Like thee live blameless, and as blameless die. 



In the Catholic Burial-ground, New-York, 

One only son! what pleasure bright 

His joyful birth did give ! 
He's gone! his parents' chief delight, 

To moulder in the grave. 
Yet let their troubled hearts be taught 

Their darling rests in peace 
With God, who gave them happy thoughts, 

And bids their anguish cease. 



In the Second Presbyterian Burial-ground, Baltimore. 

When marble monuments shall all decay, 
Rocks turn to dust, and mountains melt away, 
His sainted form shall o'er their ruins rise, 
To meet his Saviour thro' the opening skies. 



338 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Quincy, Massachusetts. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

JOSIAH QUINCY, and ABIGAIL his wife. 

Glows thy bold breast with patriotic flame? 
Let his example point the paths of fame! 
Or seek thy heart, averse from public strife, 
The milder graces of domestic life? 
Her kindred virtues let thy soul revere, 
And o'er the best of Mothers — drop a tear. 



In the Second Presbyterian Church-yard, Baltimore. 

Lo! where this silent marble weeps, 
A friend, a wife, a mother sleeps ; 
A heart, within whose sacred cell 
The peaceful virtues lov'd to dwell; 
Affection warm and faith sincere, 
And soft humanity were there. 






In the Presbyterian Church-yard, Philadelphia. 

Lov'd youth! how short on earth thy stay! 

Death his fell dart has hurl'd : 
But soon thy spirit found its way 

To yon celestial world. 

While fond remembrance reads thy stone, 
And heaves the deep-felt sigh, 

We'll learn to lean on Christ alone, 
And in his bosom die. 






SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 339 

In Christ Church Burial-ground, Baltimore, 

ON AN INFANT. 

So fades the lovely blooming flower, 
Sweet smiling solace of an hour! 
So swift our transient comforts fly, 
And pleasure only blooms to die* 



In the above Burial-ground, 

My Lord hath call'd, and I obey'd, 
To meet and with him dwell ; 

The last great debt I now have paid, 
And bid the world farewell. 



IN MARBLEHEAD, MASSACHUSETTS. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

The Hon. AZOR ORNE, 

Who died June 6, 1796, aged 65 years. 

No splendid falsehoods deck these artless lines 5 

Read them, and venerate the hallow'd dust : 
Beneath this stone the godlike man reclines, 

Honour'd and lamented by the grateful just. 
Weep with Columbia o'er the patriot dead, 

Whose manly virtues did her realms adorn ; 
And as with solemn footsteps sad you tread, 

Chant the last requiem of the illustrious Orne 

The above epitaph was written, hut not inscribed on the stone* 



340 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

The following: is a copy of an inscription upon the tombstone of a native of Africa, in the 
Church-yard of Concord, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It was written by a gentleman 
of the name of Bliss, and discovers no small share of that tone of feeling and sentiment 
which, in tl • revolutionary war, animated the patriots of Concord and Lexington. 

God 
wills us free: 

Man 

wills us slaves. 

I will, as God wills, 

God's will be done. 

HERE LIES THE BODY OF 

JOHN JACK, 

A native of Africa, who died March, 1773, aged about 60 years. 

Though born in a land of slaves, he was born free. 

Though he lived in a land of freedom, 

He lived a slave; 

Till by his honest, though stolen labours, 

He acquired the source of slavery, 

Which gave him freedom ; 

Though not long before 

Death, the grand Tyrant, 

Gave him his final emancipation, 

And set him on a footing with kings. 

Though a slave to vice, he 

Practised those virtues, 

Without which, kings are but slaves. 



In St. PauVs Church-yard, Baltimore. 

Nipt by « d timely frost, the vernal flower 

Resigns its blushing honours, droops and dies! 

So sunk sweet boy beneath Death's ruthless power 
Thy op'ning charmjyo bliss a Seraph flies. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 341 

In St. Mary's Catholic Church-yard, Philadelphia, 

While speechless o'er thy closing grave we bend, 
Accept those tears, thou dear departed friend ! 
In silent whispering purer thoughts impart, 
And turn from ill a frail and feeble heart ; , 
Lead through the paths thy virtue trod before, 
Till bliss shall join, and Death can part no more. 



In St. PauVs Church-yard, New- York. 

If parents tender, and a friend sincere, 

Departed, claim the tribute of a tear ; 

If useful life throughout a length of days, 

And moral rectitude deserve our praise! 

Here reader, heave a sympathetic sigh, 

While soft humanity shall fill thine eye. 

Blest shade! rest peaceful, wait the Almighty nod, 

Then rise to meet thy friend and father — God. 



IN NEWBURYPORT, MASSACHUSETTS 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

Mrs.PEACHE MOODY, 

A woman of colour, who died in 1812, at the age of 100 years. 

Days, months, and years of sin, a long adieu ! 
Friends, Christian friends, a short farewell to you! 
Receive, kind earth ! the mortal part of me, 
And Oh ! my Saviour, take my soul to thee. 



342 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In St. PauVs Church-yard, Baltimore. 

Here lies Matilda! Oh! how chang'd she lies! 
Late the fond hope of^ll her parents' joys ; 
So young, and yet so good! — but soft, my soul.' 
Shall impotence Omnipotence controulf 
Murmur, be hush'd! shall man of heaven complain? 
Our mortal loss is her eternal gain. 



In St. Peter's Church-yard, Philadelphia. 

Whate'er of mild afFection were belov'd, 
Rever'd of virtue, and of sense approv'd ; 
Whate'er of candour female bosom know, 
Once warm'd the gentle heart that rests below. 



IN WEATHERSFIELD, CONNECTICUT. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

Mrs. LYDIA BEADLE, aged 32 years, 

AND HER 

FOUR CHILDREN, 

Whose lives were cruelly sacrificed by the hands of Wm. Beadle, 
the husband and the father, on the llth of December, 1782. 
This infatuated man closed the horrid deed with his own destruc' 
Hon. 

Pale round their grassy tomb, bedew'd with tears, 
Flit the thin forms of sorrows and of fears ; 
Soft sighs responsive swell the plaintive chord, 
And indignation half unsheaths his sword. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 343 

In St. PauVs Church-yard, New-York. 

Her soul has now taken its flight 

To mansions of glory above, 
To mingle with Angels of light, 

And dwell in the kingdoms of love* 

Then let not her parents complain 
That she is remov'd from their sight ; 

But hope soon to meet her again, 
With new and redoubled delight. 



Inihe Presbyterian Burial-ground, Chrystie-street, New-York. 

Cold death my heart invades, my life doth fly, 
O Christ! my everlasting life, draw nigh ; 
Why quiv'rest thou, my soul, within my breast? 
Thine Angel's come to lead thee to thy rest ; 
Quit cheerfully this drooping house of clay, 
God will restore it in the appointed day. 



In the Presbyterian Church-yard, Philadelphia. 

Farewell, lamented friend! may angels guide 
Thy ransom'd spirit to the realms of peace ! 
What though thy course was short, and quickly run, 
Thy journey ended, 'midst thy highest noon : 
Yet he who bade thee live and bade thee die, 
Who call'd thee hence from all the joys of life, 
Can burst the bands of death, and from the tomb 
Command thy coH unconscious ashes rise ; 
Glow with new life, assume a brighter form, 
And dwell where death and pain will be unknown. 






344 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In Middletown, Connecticut, 

Under this stone 
Lies my dear Son ! 

Which was an infant flower, 
Whose dust God keeps, 
Ev'n whilst he sleeps, 

Until the rising hour. 



In the Presbyterian Church-yard, Philadelphia. 

At length 'tis nnish'd! yes, the conflict's o'er! 
And pain and sorrow shall molest no more. 
O blissful state! where joys that never end, 
Reward the tender Mother, dearest friend ! 
Self-love be silent — dare not to complain — 
Compare your loss with her eternal gain. 



In St. PauVs Church-yard, Baltimore. 

Oh, grave! where is thy sting? 

(The apostle's creed,) Oh, Death ! where is thy victory ? 

She replied, The sting of death, the trophy of the grave, 

Was pluck'd by him, who conquering came to save! 

Faith rais'd her soul in triumph to her Lord, 

Confiding, trusting, glorying in his word. 

She bade the world her long, her last adieu, 

With Heaven's bright prospects op'ning to her view. 

When her soul quit its mansion-house of clay, 

And soar'd to realms of everlasting da}-. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 345 

IN ST. PAUL'S CHURCH-YARD, PHILADELPHIA. 

ON 

TWO INFANTS, 

Who were twins, and died at one time. 

Beneath this sod two harmless babes repose. 
Releas'd by pitying Heaven from sins and woes ; 
Snatch'd from their parents here to realms of love, 
Their heavenly Parent they behold above ; 
At once to see the light to them 'twas given, 
At once they wept, at once they fled to Heaven. 



In the Dutch Lutheran Burial-ground, Baltimore. 

A few short years of evil past, 

We reach the happy shore, 
Where death-divided friends at last 

Shall meet, to part no more. 



In New Brunswick, New Jersey. 

Forever freed from all the woes of life, 

Of which, alas! full many were her share! 
Here rests the patient sufferer, tender wife, 

Partner of joy, and solacer of care. 
Although this humble stone must soon decay, 

And each fond monument that love can raise ; 
Yet ne'er from memory shall she pass away, 

Her dear idea time shall ne'er efface. 
2X 



346 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In the Dutch Burial-ground, Baltimore. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

CAPTAIN JOHN SHRIM, 

Who was a Soldier during the eventful period of the revolution, and 
in the subsequent tear of 1 812. He was born in 1762, and died 
July 15, 1819. 

His standard justice — truth his leading star ; 
Honour his reins — humanity his care. 
Thus past our hero thro' his earthly doom, 
His soul to God — his body to the tomb. 
Reader, attend! and copy, if you can, 
God's noblest work — an honest man. 



In the Presbyterian Church-yard, Philadelphia. 

I saw him faint, I saw him sink to rest, 
Another victim 'mid the dying throng; 

But resignation calm'd his gentle breast, 

And heavenly accents breath'd upon his tongue. 



In Newark, New Jersey. 

Let weeping virtue mourn around thy tomb, 

And pious friendship 'wail thy early doom: 

Yet worth like thine sustains no rude decay, 

Though time should sweep these sculptur'd lines away 

Herewith the ills of life thy sorrow ends, 

Thou best of sons, of brothers, and of friends. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 347 

In the Negros 9 Burial-ground, Baltimore. 

HERE LIES THE BODY OF 

THE REV. JOHN MINGS, 

The first coloured Deacon in the city of Baltimore, who departed 
this life May 10, 1823, aged 46 years and 7 months. 

His last Sermon was preached on Fell's Point, from Psalm xxiv, ver. 7— « Lift up your heads, 

ye gates ! and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors ! and the King of Glory shall come in." 

"Mark the perfect man, and behold the uprights for the end of that man is peace." 

Servant of God, well done! thy glorious warfare's past! 
Thy battle's fought — the race is won — and thou art crown'd at 
Of all thy heart's desire triumphantly possess'd, [last; 

Lodg'd by the Ministerial choir in thy Redeemer's breast. 



In the above Burial-ground. 
SACRED 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

RICHARD RUSSELL, 

A coloured man, who departed this life Oct. 23,1 821, aged 70 years. 

What say the happy dead? — he bids me bear my load, 
With silent steps proceed, and follow him to God ; 
Till life's uneasy dream in rapture shall depart, 
He bids me give, like him, to Christ my bleeding heart. 



In St. Peter's Catholic Burial-ground, Baltimore. 

My winter is past! fair spring at last 
Receives me on her flow'ry shore ; 

Here pleasure's rose immortal blows, 
And sin and sorrow are no more„ 



348 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In the Presbyterian Burial-ground, Philadelphia. 

Rest, gentle youth! here rest in peace, 

Secure from vanity and noise ; 
For here thy earthly sorrows cease, 

From hence commence thy heavenly joys. 
Short was thy span! 'tis past, 'tis gone! 

Early thou reach'd the appointed goal, 
Freed from its clog, and upwards flown, 

Angels received thy spotless soul. 
Here in thy quiet mansion rest, 

Safe from all anguish, pain, or care, 
Light sit the turf upon thy breast, 

Nor weed, nor brier, flourish there. 



In the Dutch Lutheran Burial-ground, Baltimore. 

In bloom of life his heaven-born spirit's fled, 
His labour's done — now number'd with the dead: 
But calm, my soul, he's heaven's peculiar care, 
His sun is set, but set to rise more fair. 
Hail! happy soul! dislodg'd and gone before, 
And safely landed on the heavenly shore ; 
The joys you feel, and shall forever know, 
No eye hath seen, nor heart conceiv'd below. 



In the above Burial-ground, 

To heavenly realms of endless bliss, 
Angels her patient soul have borne, 

To taste pure joys that never cease, 
With Father, Holy Ghost, and Son. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 349 

In the Dutch Lutheran Burial-ground, Baltimore. 
Though from this state of animated clay 
The path prove painful, or obscure the way, 
Through death to life, the pass once gain'd, 
The conflict's ended, and the prize attain'd ; 
That prize celestial, where no storm assails, 
No ills approach, nor ought but joy prevails ; 
Lament not me, altho' that I am gone, 
Nor share with grief the glories I have won. 



In St. Peter's Episcopalian Burial-ground, Philadelphia. 
She bloom'd and faded as an early rose, 

(The garden's pride, a sort of sovereign flower,) 
Which ere its beauties could itself disclose, 

Became the victim of one chilling hour. 
What tho' her body mingles with the dust, 

'Twas but the casket of her jewel mind ; 
The precious diamond from its prison burst, 

Now sparkles with a radiance unconfin'd. 



In the Second Presbyterian Burial-ground, Baltimore. ' 

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF 

JOHN JEPHSON, 
A. native of Mallow, county of Cork, Ireland, who expired 
on the 7th day of October, 1814, aged 47 years, bravely 
defending the rights of Freemen, and fighting the battles of 
his adopted country against tyrannic invaders, on the 12th of 
September, 1814. He was mortally wounded ; the amputa- 
tion of a limb became inevitable, a fatal fever ensued, and 
the king of terrors triumphed. Glory and immortality to the 
citizen soldiers. 



350 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

IN ALBANY, IV Y. 

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF 

SALLY NOTT, 

Consort of Eliphalet Nott, Minister of the Presbyterian church in 
Albany. She departed this life March 9, 1804, aged 29 years 
and 6 months. 

That precious dust beneath this mound, 

Which the lorn mourner raises here, 
While lisping orphanage around 

Pours forth the filial tribute tear : 
Can this dust live? blind nature cries ; 

The Gospel answers, yes ; it can : 
When Christ descends the Saints shall rise, 

And hail thy advent, Son of man ; 
Why then indulge the flowing tear? 

We check our grief, and kiss the rod ; 
No more thy triumphs, death, we fear, 

The grave conducts us home to God. 



In the English Burial-ground, Baltimore. 

Ordain'd to lose the partner of my breast, 
Whose virtues warm'd me, and whose virtues blest, 
Form'd every tie, that binds the soul to prove 
His duty friendship, and that friendship love r 
But yet remembering that the parting sigh, 
Ordain'd the just to slumber, not to die ; 
The falling tear I check'd, I kiss'd the rod, 
And not to earth resign'd him, but to God. 



SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 351 

In the Third Presbyterian Burial-ground \ Philadelphia. 

To sighs of poverty and woe 

He lent a list'ning ear, 
His hand reliev'd, his tears did flow, 

With sympathy sincere. 
Ah! cruel death! ho>w couldst thou smite 

A heart so good and kind, 
Destroy in him each virtue bright, 

That could adorn the mind. 



NEW ROCHELLE, STATE OF NEW-YORK. 
THOMAS PAINE* 

Author of :i Common Sense/ 7 died June 8, 1809, aged 7~ years. 

Cheetham states in his Life of Paine : " This man, who 
made so much noise in the world, whatever were his services 
in the cause of American liberty and independence for many 
years before his death, acted such a part as to leave an ideli- 
ble stigma upon his name in the mind of every Christian. 
He was vain, envious, malignant, tyrannical, unjust, ungrate- 
ful, fraudulent, filthy, and sottish ; a mere compound of every 
vice. He made war with governments and the holy religion 
of Jesus. He seems to have had a disposition, if he could 
have had the power, to dethrone the King of heaven. Poor 
unhappy man! miserable in life, and miserable on the bed of 
death — without comfort, without hope! and oh, his dreadful 
end !" 



* In the year 1319, William Gobbett brought with him to England some human bones which 
he got in America, and showed them as the bones of Thomas Paine. 



352 SEPULCHRAL CURIOSITIES. 

In St. PauVs Church-yard, New- York. 

THIS 

MONUMENT 

IS ERECTED BY THE ORDER OF CONGRESS, 25TH OF JANUART 
1776, TO TRANSMIT TO POSTERITY A GRATEFUL REMEM- 
BRANCE OF THE PATRIOTISM, CONDUCT, EN- 
TERPRIZE, AND PERSEVERANCE OF 

MAJOR GENERAL RICHARD MONTGOMERY, 

WHO, AFTER A SERIES OF SUCCESSES AMIDST THE MOST DIS- 
COURAGING DIFFICULTIES, FELL IN THE ATTACK 
ON OJJEBEC, 31ST OF DECEMBER, 1775, 
AGED 37 YEARS. 

THE STATE OF NEW-YORK 

CAUSED THE REMAINS OF 

MAJOR GENERAL RICHARD MONTGOMERY 

To be conveyed from Quebec, and deposited beneath this Monument^ 
the 8th day of July, 1818. 



In the Dutch Lutheran Burial-ground, Baltimore. 

Let's mourn no more! he is not dead! 
His gentle spirit is only fled 

Into his Saviour's arms, 
Where he enjoys perpetual bliss, 
And endless scenes of happiness, 

Quite free from all alarms. 

Jtf 



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